Aaron Farrugia said : “Green walls can reduce pollutants and toxic particles from the air, decrease the heat island effect, increase sound insulation, and provide a habitat for biodiversity. Indeed, apart from their aesthetic beauty, green walls have many environmental benefits,”

bay Wednesday, January 20, 2021 5:59:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “With this investment, we continue building on the current momentum to improve our performance. This goes hand in hand with the goals of the new waste management strategy which should lead us to a record amount of recycling to be processed in the new recycling plant that will be commissioned in the next four years within the ECOHIVE Complex,”

MaltaIndipendent Tuesday, January 19, 2021 6:13:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “The implementation of these measures stands as testament to government’s commitment towards the protection of biodiversity and ecosystem services for future generations”

MaltaIndipendent Tuesday, January 12, 2021 12:19:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “It is high time that we give answers to our children who ask about all the litter on our beaches, who see photos of washed-up seagulls with stomachs full of plastic products, and injured turtles caught up in plastic bags. We will continue to work to decrease pollution, launch our climate change strategy, improve our health and that of our ecosystems, with tangible results”

MaltaIndipendent Monday, January 4, 2021 5:58:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia added : “This year will be a transitory one for the single-use plastic products already on the market and, as from 2022, the sale and distribution of these items will also be legally prohibited. We are doing this with determination, as families in Malta want the environment at the top of the government’s post-Covid agenda. At the same time, the process is fully transparent in order to provide certainty to industry,”

MaltaIndipendent Monday, January 4, 2021 5:58:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “We are doing this with determination, as families in Malta want the environment at the top of the government’s agenda post-COVID. At the same time, the process is fully transparent in order to provide certainty to industry,”

gozonews Wednesday, December 30, 2020 6:43:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : "We are doing this with determination, as families in Malta want the environment at the top of the government’s agenda post-COVID. At the same time, the process is fully transparent in order to provide certainty to industry,"

MaltaToday Wednesday, December 30, 2020 6:17:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “The harsh reality is that bad waste practices have led to the landfilling of waste that could have been avoided. Our landfill footprint clearly depicts the cost of drawn-out action, which we can no longer afford if we want to avoid the pain of further land take-up. We simply cannot continue mistreating our waste management responsibilities,”

MaltaToday Wednesday, December 23, 2020 10:03:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “The environmental projects in our rural areas require strong enforcement. This pilot project was kicked off with the recruitment of three environmental rangers who will be protecting the surroundings in various areas around the country. At the moment the rangers are currently undertaking in-house training by Ambjent Malta, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), and local environmental NGOs, and will have both an enforcement role as well as an educational one. This is just the beginning: in the coming year we will see more recruitment as Malta will not only have strong environmental projects but also strong enforcement,”

MaltaToday Saturday, December 12, 2020 3:35:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “These measures will ensure that Malta makes the much-needed quantum leap in waste management, that includes activities and actions required to manage waste from its inception to its final disposal,”

timesofmalta Saturday, December 5, 2020 3:15:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “These measures will ensure that Malta makes the much-needed quantum leap in waste management, that includes activities and actions required to manage waste from its inception to its final disposal,”

MaltaToday Saturday, December 5, 2020 2:06:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “These measures will ensure that Malta makes the much-needed quantum leap in waste management, that includes activities and actions required to manage waste from its inception to its final disposal,”

MaltaToday Saturday, December 5, 2020 2:06:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia insisted : “This is a project which will create wealth and work,”

MaltaToday Monday, November 30, 2020 9:41:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia told : “The register logs the names of people that come to meet me or my secretariat and today I am in a position to know who I met on any particular day,”

MaltaToday Friday, November 27, 2020 10:58:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “I have the system in place but I do not want to eclipse the work being done by the Standards Commissioner who is drawing up a proposal for a lobby register, which would be applicable across the board,”

MaltaToday Friday, November 27, 2020 10:58:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “I meet these stakeholders frequently a system that has helped to stave off controversies and more importantly move towards intelligent planning the fruit of this work can be seen in the creation of a consultative forum for intelligent planning, the fuel stations policy and the new rural policy,”

MaltaToday Friday, November 27, 2020 10:58:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia replied : “Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Standards in Public Life is working on a lobby register, and it would be correct to wait for the outcome of that exercise before going ahead with the transparency registry, to ensure the country adopts one model,”

MaltaToday Friday, November 27, 2020 10:58:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “Green walls provide multiple benefits in urban areas. They serve as potential ecological stepping stones for insects and pollinators between rural and urban environments; reduce noise pollution, contribute to cooler micro-climates, reduce air pollution, and improve the experience of those who live and work in urban areas,”

MaltaToday Monday, November 23, 2020 3:00:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : "They serve as potential ecological stepping stones for insects and pollinators between rural and urban environments; reduce noise pollution, contribute to cooler micro-climates, reduce air pollution, and improve the experience of those who live and work in urban areas,"

timesofmalta Monday, November 23, 2020 2:49:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : "More importantly, the rehabilitation of this landfill is important given the agricultural land nearby as well as the special protection areas in the surroundings. The afforestation initiatives at this rehabilitated landfill will not only improve its visual appearance but also increase and support local biodiversity. This is another project which proves government's commitment to sustainability and improving our environment. After many years, an abandoned landfill is being developed into a site with ecological value which will benefit the community and wellbeing at large"

MaltaIndipendent Sunday, November 22, 2020 2:10:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “This will not be greening in a conventional way but will focus on the best available technologies tailored according to the diverse urban setups that will be targeted. Our aim is to give people green spaces close to their homes. We want our children to enjoy open spaces, cleaner air and a way of living that is not limited to the overdevelopment scenarios Malta’s urban centres have become associated with”

MaltaIndipendent Sunday, November 15, 2020 3:06:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “This is about giving back the people a green way of life that in some areas has been taken away from them in the name of progress. We are committed to improved environmental wellbeing, that through such innovative projects can still go hand in hand with Malta’s continuous economic advancements”

MaltaToday Saturday, November 14, 2020 2:29:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “Such efforts are important because the repercussions of pollution and climate change are something that affects all countries, and tangible change can only be brought about through agreement and collective cooperation,”

MaltaToday Thursday, November 12, 2020 4:17:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “Such efforts are important because the repercussions of pollution and climate change are something that affects all countries, and tangible change can only be brought about through agreement and collective cooperation,”

timesofmalta Wednesday, November 11, 2020 5:47:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “The purpose of these interventions being carried out around Natura 2000 sites is to protect our natural environment, ensuring the sites are kept in a good state to be enjoyed in the most sustainable way by everyone, creating a balance between the use of these sites and their conservation. "With these initiatives, we want to emphasise the importance of protecting the environment around us, but also ensuring that human activity does not negatively impact the quality of our biodiversity,”

timesofmalta Monday, October 26, 2020 6:37:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “It’s a leap that other member states have not yet made. In fact, Malta is the lowest emitter per capita in the European Union,”

MaltaToday Saturday, October 24, 2020 11:00:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia told : “I believe we could have published this information in a better manner,”

MaltaIndipendent Thursday, October 15, 2020 8:52:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “The agreement is also ensuring that that all public passageways and thoroughfares remain open to the public at all times,”

gozonews Friday, October 9, 2020 10:49:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “The agreement is also ensuring that that all public passageways and thoroughfares remain open to the public at all times,”

gozonews Friday, October 9, 2020 10:34:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : "This is part of the ecological transition that our country is going through. Our approach is a different one, where we are not only continuing our work on environment regulation, afforestation projects, and biodiversity protection in rural zones, but we have also begun looking at urban zones with the aim of improving the quality of life of all. I believe the time has come to improve the environment we live in every day and spend the most time in; our homes, our workplace, our schools, and the roads we pass from every day. Our urban areas should be greener, and we should plan in a way that it is beneficial for our wellbeing, but also necessary for sustainable planning for the future,"

MaltaIndipendent Thursday, October 8, 2020 12:57:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia explained : “intelligent and green planning has a number of social benefits, and green areas can improve mental and physical wellbeing. There is substantial evidence that people feel more responsible for the environment they live in if it is a green one”

gozonews Wednesday, October 7, 2020 9:58:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “I believe the time has come to improve the environment we live in every day and spend the most time in; our homes, our workplace, our schools, and the roads we pass from every day. Our urban areas should be greener, and we should plan in a way that it is beneficial for our wellbeing, but also necessary for sustainable planning for the future,” “Apart from these benefits, greener planning will help decrease temperatures in urban areas and mitigate other effects of climate change in these zones,”

gozonews Wednesday, October 7, 2020 9:58:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia concluded : “Green walls, apart from making the country aesthetically greener, and contributing to the mental well-being of the community, also absorb carbon dioxide, increase oxygen levels, reduce temperatures inside households in Summer, reduce flooding and can also act as a pollinator,”

gozonews Wednesday, October 7, 2020 9:58:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “it is our duty to protect both our cultural and environmental heritage, to maintain the potential of biodiversity to meet the needs and aspirations of present and future generations”

gozonews Sunday, September 27, 2020 5:22:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “Effective dialogue and partnership between environmentalists, hunters, farmers, landowners, authorities, and keeping an honest and open mind and mutual understanding can be transformative: creating solutions for a variety of problems, from biodiversity to conservation to rural development to climate change,”

MaltaToday Sunday, September 27, 2020 11:16:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “This is another step towards a circular economy. We are determined to improve Malta’s environmental performance as we keep tackling one challenge after the other,”

MaltaIndipendent Wednesday, September 23, 2020 2:04:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “This project will bring about a substantial leap in the quality of life. While the inconvenience of an incinerator will be removed from Marsa, the modern technology used in the new plant will ensure that the surrounding areas are not negatively impacted,” “The plant will be located in the same area as the other plants, quashing the environmental repercussions of transportation between one facility and another around the country. This is another step forward towards a circular economy environment”

MaltaToday Tuesday, September 15, 2020 5:43:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “These are ambitious goals that touch on the country's wider recycling targets, but they're also part of our holistic plan on waste management,”

MaltaToday Monday, September 14, 2020 1:07:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia explained : “For the first time in our country, we are going beyond the waste dumps of the past and adopting a clear strategy on single use plastics, and today we also have this scheme that will allow us to achieve our goals ahead of time,”

MaltaToday Monday, September 14, 2020 1:07:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia added : “This is an important scheme as, eventually, we will be recuperating 90% of beverages containers which will help Malta reach its international recycling targets,”

MaltaIndipendent Friday, September 4, 2020 5:33:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “Owing to this upgrade, Malta will be increasing its recycling performance significantly. This process will result in good quality material, which can then be sold for re-use on the market,”

MaltaToday Friday, July 24, 2020 4:37:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “It is important for commercial entities to take ownership of the government’s plan,”

MaltaIndipendent Thursday, July 23, 2020 6:25:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “We redefined definitions that were open-ended and were subject to interpretation,”

timesofmalta Monday, July 20, 2020 7:48:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “This is part of the government’s overarching vision for the sector. Malta is now moving to a new level of environmental performance, the country’s infrastructure is being significantly upgraded, and I believe that the general public will once again live up to the challenge and significantly increase waste separation efforts,”

MaltaIndipendent Thursday, July 16, 2020 4:54:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “This is part of the government’s overarching vision for the sector. Malta is now moving to a new level of environmental performance, the country’s infrastructure is being significantly upgraded, and I believe that the general public will once again live up to the challenge and significantly increase waste separation efforts,”

bay Tuesday, July 14, 2020 3:14:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “This is part of the government’s overarching vision for the sector. Malta is now moving to a new level of environmental performance, the country’s infrastructure is being significantly upgraded, and I believe that the general public will once again live up to the challenge and significantly increase waste separation efforts,”

timesofmalta Tuesday, July 14, 2020 1:18:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “Politicians are often criticised for thinking in five-year cycles, but we are looking to the future as well as taking immediate action to have intelligent planning today instead of tomorrow,” “The government has chosen the most ambitious and challenging positions, where national wellbeing, economy and environment will be considered at par as deciding factors when it comes to developing policy”

timesofmalta Wednesday, July 8, 2020 12:24:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “I believe this new policy strikes a balance between sustainable development and intelligent planning”

MaltaIndipendent Thursday, July 2, 2020 2:55:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : "The new policy minimises development in rural areas, limiting this to genuine projects without killing the agricultural sector. We redefined definitions which were open-ended and were subject to interpretation,"

timesofmalta Wednesday, July 1, 2020 2:59:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “The main challenge for these guidelines is that this will not manage to affect the light pollution from existing projects, but it will affect proposed and other future projects. The main objectives of these guidelines are to increase awareness on the negative impact of obtrusive light, highlight the benefits of well-designed external lighting, emphasise the protection to protect dark rural areas from light pollution and guide individuals and organizations to make the best use of artificial light”

bay Wednesday, June 24, 2020 10:28:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “Apart from negative effects on our flora and fauna, scientific studies have shown that light pollution may affect public health and sleep patterns. Light pollution may also affect criminality rates in particular areas, reduce the visibility of the night sky and increase energy consumption,”

timesofmalta Tuesday, June 23, 2020 5:00:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “In Qormi, the intervention will be in the area of a valley which is known for being impacted by rainwater; in Ħamrun, the project will be at the heart of the community and in a place where hundreds of families live; in Mosta, a main road which is also considered to be a commercial zone,”

bay Sunday, June 21, 2020 6:01:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : "Quality of life means that all citizens should be granted access to more recreational spaces, as well as heritage sites, which will allow them to fully appreciate and enjoy what their native country has to offer. This principle also extends to the conservation and preservation of these sites, which will ensure they remain accessible to future generations,"

MaltaToday Friday, June 5, 2020 1:09:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “This is the reason we are launching these clear guidelines for workers, the Board, Commissions, and case officers to refer to when making decisions. These sites very often have historic value. This is a heritage passed on from our forefathers and it is our duty to pass them on to upcoming generations. Intelligent planning is planning which is forward-looking,”

MaltaIndipendent Friday, May 29, 2020 2:28:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “The construction industry is crucial for the development of our economy, generating wealth, and employing thousands of people. Yet, this does not imply that we should operate without limits. Intelligent planning is key for the sustainabilityand the qualityof our economy. It is time to generate jobs and wealth through new methods of planning. I am confident that if we all come together, we can achieve great results. I am looking forward to ensure that we ‘Build Back Better’,”

MaltaIndipendent Friday, May 29, 2020 2:28:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “Intelligent planning is key for the sustainability – and the quality – of our economy. It is time to generate jobs and wealth through new methods of planning. I am confident that if we all come together, we can achieve great results. I am looking forward to ensure that we Build Back Better,”

gozonews Thursday, May 28, 2020 2:05:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “The construction industry is crucial for the development of our economy, generating wealth, and employing thousands of people. Yet, this does not imply that we should operate without limits. Intelligent planning is key for the sustainability—and the quality—of our economy. It is time to generate jobs and wealth through new methods of planning. I am confident that if we all come together, we can achieve great results. I am looking forward to ensure that we ‘Build Back Better’,”

bay Thursday, May 28, 2020 1:40:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “This is the reason we are launching these clear guidelines for workers, the board, commissions, and case officers to refer to when making decisions. These sites very often have historic value. This is a heritage passed on from our forefathers and it is our duty to pass it on to upcoming generations. Intelligent planning is planning which is forward-looking,”

timesofmalta Wednesday, May 27, 2020 5:04:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “These sites very often have historic value. This is a heritage passed on from our forefathers and it is our duty to pass them on to upcoming generations. Intelligent planning is planning which is forward looking,”

MaltaToday Wednesday, May 27, 2020 3:10:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “These changes are part of a holistic overhaul of the concept of planning – shifting towards more intelligent planning and a greener vision for our localities,”

gozonews Sunday, May 24, 2020 12:03:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “These changes are part of a holistic overhaul of the concept of planning shifting towards more intelligent planning and a greener vision for our localities,”

MaltaToday Saturday, May 23, 2020 5:31:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia told : “It’s not bullying. That is the reality. We do not have space in the landfill beyond March so we need a solution. If we do not expropriate land to build the four plants we are proposing, then we would have no option but to take up much more land to extend the landfill which is the option we discarded after we met the Magħtab farmers,”

timesofmalta Thursday, May 21, 2020 9:46:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “My Ministry will be doubling down on illegal dumping,”

MaltaToday Sunday, May 3, 2020 12:40:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : "I'm not excluding [disposing of the construction waste at sea] - it's happened in the past many times, and the necessary permits are in place already,"

MaltaToday Monday, April 27, 2020 6:38:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “The revised policy sets a capping on the number of fuel stations, as well as stricter limits on relocations. It considers the well-being of our residential communities as well as the environment. I believe the country spent too much time discussing this policy when the topic which should have been high on our agenda is the phasing out of petrol and diesel vehicles in the next two decades in order to go electric,”

MaltaIndipendent Saturday, April 25, 2020 9:59:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : "I believe the country spent too much time discussing this policy when the topic which should have been high on our agenda is the phasing out of petrol and diesel vehicles in the next two decades in order to go electric,"

MaltaToday Saturday, April 25, 2020 1:00:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “The revised policy sets a capping on the number of fuel stations, as well as stricter limits on relocations. It considers the wellbeing of our residential communities, as well as the environment,”

gozonews Friday, April 24, 2020 10:10:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : "I believe the country spent too much time discussing this policy when the topic which should have been high on our agenda is the phasing out of petrol and diesel vehicles in the next two decades in order to go electric,"

MaltaToday Friday, April 24, 2020 7:53:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “Malta will finally be in a position to stop its predominant reliance on landfilling and to aggressively turn waste into precious resources, be it energy, fertile agricultural resources, or upcycled products,”

MaltaIndipendent Friday, April 17, 2020 8:53:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “The projects I have in mind the waste-to-energy plant, and other state-of-the-art facilities are needed so that we will no longer need to take other lands for landfills,”

MaltaToday Friday, April 17, 2020 1:12:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “What happened in 2015 when the demerger took place was that the Planning Authority moved at a certain pace and rhythm; the environmental authority the environmental watchdog didn’t move at the same pace, and I am here to make sure that it starts moving at a faster pace as well, and moves forward,”

MaltaToday Friday, April 17, 2020 1:12:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : "While it is all well and good to have zones in more rural areas where families can visit, we need to make sure that green zones are also present at the heart of our localities. These projects are the first step towards the holistic vision for the environment sector, and I am committed to continue working towards a shift in mentality in this regard"

MaltaIndipendent Friday, April 10, 2020 1:26:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “These projects are the first step towards the holistic vision for the environment sector, and I am committed to continue working towards a shift in mentality in this regard,”

gozonews Thursday, April 9, 2020 6:21:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “These are plants for the separation of recyclable waste, for the processing of organic waste and the recovery of energy from residual waste. The plants would include the Waste to Energy Facility, the Hazardous Waste Thermal Treatment Facility, Skip Loading Facility, Composting Facility, and an Organic Processing Plant. These plants require a significant amount of land and they are being placed close to each other for more logistical efficiency, and in line with government electoral manifesto pledge to give Sant’ Antnin facility back to the people,”

MaltaIndipendent Wednesday, March 4, 2020 7:16:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “We will not have management by crisis,”

MaltaIndipendent Wednesday, March 4, 2020 7:16:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “I do not believe in a fortress mentality,”

MaltaIndipendent Wednesday, March 4, 2020 7:16:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia insisted : “If we don’t take the decisions now, next year we will be telling people to not put out their black rubbish bags, because we won’t have anywhere to dispose of them,”

MaltaToday Saturday, February 29, 2020 4:05:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia explained : “I have held a number of discussions with the Maltese ambassador for Climate Change, Professor Simone Borg and we are meeting regularly to set up a holistic plan for our country and to reach international targets on the subject,”

MaltaIndipendent Wednesday, February 26, 2020 7:34:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “The PA and the enforcement board have to function efficiently, and with this new panel enforcement will be strengthened and given its due importance,”

MaltaToday Sunday, February 23, 2020 8:46:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “The review is a unique opportunity for all to be involved in the real change in mentality that the country needs on planning our future. I believe that we can make a positive leap forward which can not only radically change the value of design, architecture, and the building industry, but also improve everyone’s lives and foster wellbeing,”

MaltaIndipendent Tuesday, February 18, 2020 1:30:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “This cooperation highlights the importance of working together on communal issues, such as the marine biodiversity protection, which this project focuses upon. The aspect which I find most fascinating with regard to the HARMONY project is the role and the involvement of local communities,”

MaltaIndipendent Tuesday, February 18, 2020 1:30:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia replied : “The Prime minister and I are on the same wavelength when it comes to engaging stakeholders to safeguard the best interests of the Maltese and an example of this is the Harmony project, which is aimed at enhancing marine biodiversity protection,”

MaltaToday Monday, February 17, 2020 4:03:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “I have been in communication with the Planning Authority to see what stage the policy is currently at, and I have come to the conclusion that amendments need to be made in order for us to achieve the result we set out to achieve,”

MaltaToday Monday, February 17, 2020 4:03:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “This cooperation highlights the importance of working together on communal issues, such as the marine biodiversity protection, which this project focuses upon. The aspect which I find most fascinating with regard to the HARMONY project is the role and the involvement of local communities,”

gozonews Monday, February 17, 2020 3:03:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “We want to strengthen the areas related to permitting and compliance. Our aim, following the MEPA de-merger and the formation of ERA three years ago, is to now strengthen the authority,”

timesofmalta Tuesday, February 4, 2020 5:10:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “As Environment Minister I will be making sure that the laws that have long been in place are implemented,”

timesofmalta Tuesday, February 4, 2020 5:10:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “Quality of life is not only an economic matter. It is also an environmental one. That is why our priority is the protection of our environment. The environment is also a matter of economic importance,”

gozonews Tuesday, February 4, 2020 2:27:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “this was the argument that Birdife made but one obviously respects the decision taken by the Prime Minister”

MaltaIndipendent Friday, January 31, 2020 6:47:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “I think that while this government has made massive leaps forward in terms of economic growth, the time has come to shift the focus on socio-economic elements, promoting justice, good governance, and environmentally sustainable practices,”

MaltaToday Thursday, January 23, 2020 5:56:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : "I am happy that the environment ministry onces again includes the planning portfolio along with climate change,"

MaltaToday Wednesday, January 15, 2020 7:54:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : "we should let the institutions to continue working, as we have"

MaltaIndipendent Friday, November 22, 2019 4:47:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “The aim behind enabling conditions is to ensure that the right framework is in place at the national level to enable the effective implementation of fundsand certainly not to create increased obligations that may actually not be linked to the objectives of the funds, or that may result in increasing the administrative burden in the implementation of the funds,” “Conditionalities have been with us even before EU membership, first through the implementation of the acquis communitaire, then the Maastricht and Copenhagen criteria, later by strengthening the Stability and Growth Pact with the Six Pack and the Two Pack, and most recently with the Ex Ante and macroeconomic conditionalities”

MaltaToday Thursday, June 27, 2019 7:44:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia concluded ( about Commission ) : “As we are in negotiations with the European Commission on which areas to invest in European funding for the next period, including as regards the European Regional Development Fund, we are going to meet with farmers and fishermen to discuss the needs and requirements of their industry,”

gozonews Tuesday, April 16, 2019 1:50:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia explained : "These EU-funded projects are representing a revival of a part of our history, which will attract both locals and tourists to experience life as it is and was in our towns and villages. The objective of the project is to have a more competitive cultural tourism product, by exploiting the potential to attract more visitors that the niche segment of cultural tourism has,"

MaltaIndipendent Sunday, April 7, 2019 3:49:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : "Projects like these are an investment towards strengthening communities and protecting our Maltese identity - ensuring that upcoming generations have access to our heritage,"

MaltaIndipendent Sunday, April 7, 2019 3:49:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said ( about Commission ) : “Indeed, this consultation on the National Reform Programme provides a space for reflection on Malta’s progress in addressing the Europe 2020 targets, whilst presenting the government’s reaction to the challenges identified in the Country Report published by the European Commission earlier in February,”

MaltaToday Monday, April 1, 2019 3:33:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia added ( about Commission ) : “In recognition of this, the European Commission proposed a regulation on the establishment of the Reform Support Programme with a view to strengthen instruments based on EU funding that are intended to support governments in implementing country-specific recommendations or other challenges identified in the European Semester,”

MaltaToday Monday, April 1, 2019 3:33:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “EU funds are being used to help Maltese businesses, not only from an infrastructural perspective, but also through providing upskilling and through the Business Enhance Scheme, which is making grants available for firms such as SMEs and start-ups,”

MaltaToday Monday, March 18, 2019 6:29:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “It would have been more appropriate and helpful if, during the conference organised by Roberta Metsola, it was discussed how the new programmes could continue to assist Maltese businesses,” “The conference which should have been a positive one which compliments Malta’s successful management and use of EU funds, was instead used to criticise Malta in regards to a sector which was particularly successful in our country. In fact, recently, EU Commissioner Corina Cretu said that Malta should serve as an example to other countries for its good management of EU funds,”

MaltaToday Tuesday, March 5, 2019 4:05:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said ( about Nello Musumeci ) : “In a recent meeting I had with President of Sicily Nello Musumeci, we decided to work towards closer cooperation between Malta and Sicily, for the benefit of our citizens,”

MaltaIndipendent Friday, February 1, 2019 5:29:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “Ms Pisani Bugeja has no conflict of interest”

timesofmalta Sunday, January 27, 2019 8:58:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “So the EU is faced with the challenge of how to do more with less,” “The silver lining to this problem could be improvement in financial efficiency It will be interesting to see how political parties across Europe propose to adapt to the new fiscal realities,”

MaltaToday Thursday, January 10, 2019 6:06:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “Green walls can reduce pollutants and toxic particles from the air, decrease the heat island effect, increase sound insulation, and provide a habitat for biodiversity. Indeed, apart from their aesthetic beauty, green walls have many environmental benefits,”

bay Wednesday, January 20, 2021 5:59:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “With this investment, we continue building on the current momentum to improve our performance. This goes hand in hand with the goals of the new waste management strategy which should lead us to a record amount of recycling to be processed in the new recycling plant that will be commissioned in the next four years within the ECOHIVE Complex,”

MaltaIndipendent Tuesday, January 19, 2021 6:13:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “The implementation of these measures stands as testament to government’s commitment towards the protection of biodiversity and ecosystem services for future generations”

MaltaIndipendent Tuesday, January 12, 2021 12:19:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “It is high time that we give answers to our children who ask about all the litter on our beaches, who see photos of washed-up seagulls with stomachs full of plastic products, and injured turtles caught up in plastic bags. We will continue to work to decrease pollution, launch our climate change strategy, improve our health and that of our ecosystems, with tangible results”

MaltaIndipendent Monday, January 4, 2021 5:58:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia added : “This year will be a transitory one for the single-use plastic products already on the market and, as from 2022, the sale and distribution of these items will also be legally prohibited. We are doing this with determination, as families in Malta want the environment at the top of the government’s post-Covid agenda. At the same time, the process is fully transparent in order to provide certainty to industry,”

MaltaIndipendent Monday, January 4, 2021 5:58:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “We are doing this with determination, as families in Malta want the environment at the top of the government’s agenda post-COVID. At the same time, the process is fully transparent in order to provide certainty to industry,”

gozonews Wednesday, December 30, 2020 6:43:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : "We are doing this with determination, as families in Malta want the environment at the top of the government’s agenda post-COVID. At the same time, the process is fully transparent in order to provide certainty to industry,"

MaltaToday Wednesday, December 30, 2020 6:17:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “The harsh reality is that bad waste practices have led to the landfilling of waste that could have been avoided. Our landfill footprint clearly depicts the cost of drawn-out action, which we can no longer afford if we want to avoid the pain of further land take-up. We simply cannot continue mistreating our waste management responsibilities,”

MaltaToday Wednesday, December 23, 2020 10:03:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “The environmental projects in our rural areas require strong enforcement. This pilot project was kicked off with the recruitment of three environmental rangers who will be protecting the surroundings in various areas around the country. At the moment the rangers are currently undertaking in-house training by Ambjent Malta, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), and local environmental NGOs, and will have both an enforcement role as well as an educational one. This is just the beginning: in the coming year we will see more recruitment as Malta will not only have strong environmental projects but also strong enforcement,”

MaltaToday Saturday, December 12, 2020 3:35:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “These measures will ensure that Malta makes the much-needed quantum leap in waste management, that includes activities and actions required to manage waste from its inception to its final disposal,”

timesofmalta Saturday, December 5, 2020 3:15:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “These measures will ensure that Malta makes the much-needed quantum leap in waste management, that includes activities and actions required to manage waste from its inception to its final disposal,”

MaltaToday Saturday, December 5, 2020 2:06:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “These measures will ensure that Malta makes the much-needed quantum leap in waste management, that includes activities and actions required to manage waste from its inception to its final disposal,”

MaltaToday Saturday, December 5, 2020 2:06:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia insisted : “This is a project which will create wealth and work,”

MaltaToday Monday, November 30, 2020 9:41:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia told : “The register logs the names of people that come to meet me or my secretariat and today I am in a position to know who I met on any particular day,”

MaltaToday Friday, November 27, 2020 10:58:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “I have the system in place but I do not want to eclipse the work being done by the Standards Commissioner who is drawing up a proposal for a lobby register, which would be applicable across the board,”

MaltaToday Friday, November 27, 2020 10:58:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “I meet these stakeholders frequently a system that has helped to stave off controversies and more importantly move towards intelligent planning the fruit of this work can be seen in the creation of a consultative forum for intelligent planning, the fuel stations policy and the new rural policy,”

MaltaToday Friday, November 27, 2020 10:58:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia replied : “Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Standards in Public Life is working on a lobby register, and it would be correct to wait for the outcome of that exercise before going ahead with the transparency registry, to ensure the country adopts one model,”

MaltaToday Friday, November 27, 2020 10:58:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “Green walls provide multiple benefits in urban areas. They serve as potential ecological stepping stones for insects and pollinators between rural and urban environments; reduce noise pollution, contribute to cooler micro-climates, reduce air pollution, and improve the experience of those who live and work in urban areas,”

MaltaToday Monday, November 23, 2020 3:00:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : "They serve as potential ecological stepping stones for insects and pollinators between rural and urban environments; reduce noise pollution, contribute to cooler micro-climates, reduce air pollution, and improve the experience of those who live and work in urban areas,"

timesofmalta Monday, November 23, 2020 2:49:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : "More importantly, the rehabilitation of this landfill is important given the agricultural land nearby as well as the special protection areas in the surroundings. The afforestation initiatives at this rehabilitated landfill will not only improve its visual appearance but also increase and support local biodiversity. This is another project which proves government's commitment to sustainability and improving our environment. After many years, an abandoned landfill is being developed into a site with ecological value which will benefit the community and wellbeing at large"

MaltaIndipendent Sunday, November 22, 2020 2:10:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “This will not be greening in a conventional way but will focus on the best available technologies tailored according to the diverse urban setups that will be targeted. Our aim is to give people green spaces close to their homes. We want our children to enjoy open spaces, cleaner air and a way of living that is not limited to the overdevelopment scenarios Malta’s urban centres have become associated with”

MaltaIndipendent Sunday, November 15, 2020 3:06:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “This is about giving back the people a green way of life that in some areas has been taken away from them in the name of progress. We are committed to improved environmental wellbeing, that through such innovative projects can still go hand in hand with Malta’s continuous economic advancements”

MaltaToday Saturday, November 14, 2020 2:29:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “Such efforts are important because the repercussions of pollution and climate change are something that affects all countries, and tangible change can only be brought about through agreement and collective cooperation,”

MaltaToday Thursday, November 12, 2020 4:17:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “Such efforts are important because the repercussions of pollution and climate change are something that affects all countries, and tangible change can only be brought about through agreement and collective cooperation,”

timesofmalta Wednesday, November 11, 2020 5:47:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “The purpose of these interventions being carried out around Natura 2000 sites is to protect our natural environment, ensuring the sites are kept in a good state to be enjoyed in the most sustainable way by everyone, creating a balance between the use of these sites and their conservation. "With these initiatives, we want to emphasise the importance of protecting the environment around us, but also ensuring that human activity does not negatively impact the quality of our biodiversity,”

timesofmalta Monday, October 26, 2020 6:37:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “It’s a leap that other member states have not yet made. In fact, Malta is the lowest emitter per capita in the European Union,”

MaltaToday Saturday, October 24, 2020 11:00:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia told : “I believe we could have published this information in a better manner,”

MaltaIndipendent Thursday, October 15, 2020 8:52:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “The agreement is also ensuring that that all public passageways and thoroughfares remain open to the public at all times,”

gozonews Friday, October 9, 2020 10:49:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “The agreement is also ensuring that that all public passageways and thoroughfares remain open to the public at all times,”

gozonews Friday, October 9, 2020 10:34:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : "This is part of the ecological transition that our country is going through. Our approach is a different one, where we are not only continuing our work on environment regulation, afforestation projects, and biodiversity protection in rural zones, but we have also begun looking at urban zones with the aim of improving the quality of life of all. I believe the time has come to improve the environment we live in every day and spend the most time in; our homes, our workplace, our schools, and the roads we pass from every day. Our urban areas should be greener, and we should plan in a way that it is beneficial for our wellbeing, but also necessary for sustainable planning for the future,"

MaltaIndipendent Thursday, October 8, 2020 12:57:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia explained : “intelligent and green planning has a number of social benefits, and green areas can improve mental and physical wellbeing. There is substantial evidence that people feel more responsible for the environment they live in if it is a green one”

gozonews Wednesday, October 7, 2020 9:58:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “I believe the time has come to improve the environment we live in every day and spend the most time in; our homes, our workplace, our schools, and the roads we pass from every day. Our urban areas should be greener, and we should plan in a way that it is beneficial for our wellbeing, but also necessary for sustainable planning for the future,” “Apart from these benefits, greener planning will help decrease temperatures in urban areas and mitigate other effects of climate change in these zones,”

gozonews Wednesday, October 7, 2020 9:58:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia concluded : “Green walls, apart from making the country aesthetically greener, and contributing to the mental well-being of the community, also absorb carbon dioxide, increase oxygen levels, reduce temperatures inside households in Summer, reduce flooding and can also act as a pollinator,”

gozonews Wednesday, October 7, 2020 9:58:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “it is our duty to protect both our cultural and environmental heritage, to maintain the potential of biodiversity to meet the needs and aspirations of present and future generations”

gozonews Sunday, September 27, 2020 5:22:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “Effective dialogue and partnership between environmentalists, hunters, farmers, landowners, authorities, and keeping an honest and open mind and mutual understanding can be transformative: creating solutions for a variety of problems, from biodiversity to conservation to rural development to climate change,”

MaltaToday Sunday, September 27, 2020 11:16:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “This is another step towards a circular economy. We are determined to improve Malta’s environmental performance as we keep tackling one challenge after the other,”

MaltaIndipendent Wednesday, September 23, 2020 2:04:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “This project will bring about a substantial leap in the quality of life. While the inconvenience of an incinerator will be removed from Marsa, the modern technology used in the new plant will ensure that the surrounding areas are not negatively impacted,” “The plant will be located in the same area as the other plants, quashing the environmental repercussions of transportation between one facility and another around the country. This is another step forward towards a circular economy environment”

MaltaToday Tuesday, September 15, 2020 5:43:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “These are ambitious goals that touch on the country's wider recycling targets, but they're also part of our holistic plan on waste management,”

MaltaToday Monday, September 14, 2020 1:07:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia explained : “For the first time in our country, we are going beyond the waste dumps of the past and adopting a clear strategy on single use plastics, and today we also have this scheme that will allow us to achieve our goals ahead of time,”

MaltaToday Monday, September 14, 2020 1:07:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia added : “This is an important scheme as, eventually, we will be recuperating 90% of beverages containers which will help Malta reach its international recycling targets,”

MaltaIndipendent Friday, September 4, 2020 5:33:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “Owing to this upgrade, Malta will be increasing its recycling performance significantly. This process will result in good quality material, which can then be sold for re-use on the market,”

MaltaToday Friday, July 24, 2020 4:37:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “It is important for commercial entities to take ownership of the government’s plan,”

MaltaIndipendent Thursday, July 23, 2020 6:25:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “We redefined definitions that were open-ended and were subject to interpretation,”

timesofmalta Monday, July 20, 2020 7:48:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “This is part of the government’s overarching vision for the sector. Malta is now moving to a new level of environmental performance, the country’s infrastructure is being significantly upgraded, and I believe that the general public will once again live up to the challenge and significantly increase waste separation efforts,”

MaltaIndipendent Thursday, July 16, 2020 4:54:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “This is part of the government’s overarching vision for the sector. Malta is now moving to a new level of environmental performance, the country’s infrastructure is being significantly upgraded, and I believe that the general public will once again live up to the challenge and significantly increase waste separation efforts,”

bay Tuesday, July 14, 2020 3:14:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “This is part of the government’s overarching vision for the sector. Malta is now moving to a new level of environmental performance, the country’s infrastructure is being significantly upgraded, and I believe that the general public will once again live up to the challenge and significantly increase waste separation efforts,”

timesofmalta Tuesday, July 14, 2020 1:18:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “Politicians are often criticised for thinking in five-year cycles, but we are looking to the future as well as taking immediate action to have intelligent planning today instead of tomorrow,” “The government has chosen the most ambitious and challenging positions, where national wellbeing, economy and environment will be considered at par as deciding factors when it comes to developing policy”

timesofmalta Wednesday, July 8, 2020 12:24:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “I believe this new policy strikes a balance between sustainable development and intelligent planning”

MaltaIndipendent Thursday, July 2, 2020 2:55:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : "The new policy minimises development in rural areas, limiting this to genuine projects without killing the agricultural sector. We redefined definitions which were open-ended and were subject to interpretation,"

timesofmalta Wednesday, July 1, 2020 2:59:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “The main challenge for these guidelines is that this will not manage to affect the light pollution from existing projects, but it will affect proposed and other future projects. The main objectives of these guidelines are to increase awareness on the negative impact of obtrusive light, highlight the benefits of well-designed external lighting, emphasise the protection to protect dark rural areas from light pollution and guide individuals and organizations to make the best use of artificial light”

bay Wednesday, June 24, 2020 10:28:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “Apart from negative effects on our flora and fauna, scientific studies have shown that light pollution may affect public health and sleep patterns. Light pollution may also affect criminality rates in particular areas, reduce the visibility of the night sky and increase energy consumption,”

timesofmalta Tuesday, June 23, 2020 5:00:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “In Qormi, the intervention will be in the area of a valley which is known for being impacted by rainwater; in Ħamrun, the project will be at the heart of the community and in a place where hundreds of families live; in Mosta, a main road which is also considered to be a commercial zone,”

bay Sunday, June 21, 2020 6:01:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : "Quality of life means that all citizens should be granted access to more recreational spaces, as well as heritage sites, which will allow them to fully appreciate and enjoy what their native country has to offer. This principle also extends to the conservation and preservation of these sites, which will ensure they remain accessible to future generations,"

MaltaToday Friday, June 5, 2020 1:09:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “This is the reason we are launching these clear guidelines for workers, the Board, Commissions, and case officers to refer to when making decisions. These sites very often have historic value. This is a heritage passed on from our forefathers and it is our duty to pass them on to upcoming generations. Intelligent planning is planning which is forward-looking,”

MaltaIndipendent Friday, May 29, 2020 2:28:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “The construction industry is crucial for the development of our economy, generating wealth, and employing thousands of people. Yet, this does not imply that we should operate without limits. Intelligent planning is key for the sustainabilityand the qualityof our economy. It is time to generate jobs and wealth through new methods of planning. I am confident that if we all come together, we can achieve great results. I am looking forward to ensure that we ‘Build Back Better’,”

MaltaIndipendent Friday, May 29, 2020 2:28:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “Intelligent planning is key for the sustainability – and the quality – of our economy. It is time to generate jobs and wealth through new methods of planning. I am confident that if we all come together, we can achieve great results. I am looking forward to ensure that we Build Back Better,”

gozonews Thursday, May 28, 2020 2:05:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “The construction industry is crucial for the development of our economy, generating wealth, and employing thousands of people. Yet, this does not imply that we should operate without limits. Intelligent planning is key for the sustainability—and the quality—of our economy. It is time to generate jobs and wealth through new methods of planning. I am confident that if we all come together, we can achieve great results. I am looking forward to ensure that we ‘Build Back Better’,”

bay Thursday, May 28, 2020 1:40:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “This is the reason we are launching these clear guidelines for workers, the board, commissions, and case officers to refer to when making decisions. These sites very often have historic value. This is a heritage passed on from our forefathers and it is our duty to pass it on to upcoming generations. Intelligent planning is planning which is forward-looking,”

timesofmalta Wednesday, May 27, 2020 5:04:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “These sites very often have historic value. This is a heritage passed on from our forefathers and it is our duty to pass them on to upcoming generations. Intelligent planning is planning which is forward looking,”

MaltaToday Wednesday, May 27, 2020 3:10:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “These changes are part of a holistic overhaul of the concept of planning – shifting towards more intelligent planning and a greener vision for our localities,”

gozonews Sunday, May 24, 2020 12:03:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “These changes are part of a holistic overhaul of the concept of planning shifting towards more intelligent planning and a greener vision for our localities,”

MaltaToday Saturday, May 23, 2020 5:31:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia told : “It’s not bullying. That is the reality. We do not have space in the landfill beyond March so we need a solution. If we do not expropriate land to build the four plants we are proposing, then we would have no option but to take up much more land to extend the landfill which is the option we discarded after we met the Magħtab farmers,”

timesofmalta Thursday, May 21, 2020 9:46:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “My Ministry will be doubling down on illegal dumping,”

MaltaToday Sunday, May 3, 2020 12:40:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : "I'm not excluding [disposing of the construction waste at sea] - it's happened in the past many times, and the necessary permits are in place already,"

MaltaToday Monday, April 27, 2020 6:38:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “The revised policy sets a capping on the number of fuel stations, as well as stricter limits on relocations. It considers the well-being of our residential communities as well as the environment. I believe the country spent too much time discussing this policy when the topic which should have been high on our agenda is the phasing out of petrol and diesel vehicles in the next two decades in order to go electric,”

MaltaIndipendent Saturday, April 25, 2020 9:59:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : "I believe the country spent too much time discussing this policy when the topic which should have been high on our agenda is the phasing out of petrol and diesel vehicles in the next two decades in order to go electric,"

MaltaToday Saturday, April 25, 2020 1:00:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “The revised policy sets a capping on the number of fuel stations, as well as stricter limits on relocations. It considers the wellbeing of our residential communities, as well as the environment,”

gozonews Friday, April 24, 2020 10:10:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : "I believe the country spent too much time discussing this policy when the topic which should have been high on our agenda is the phasing out of petrol and diesel vehicles in the next two decades in order to go electric,"

MaltaToday Friday, April 24, 2020 7:53:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “Malta will finally be in a position to stop its predominant reliance on landfilling and to aggressively turn waste into precious resources, be it energy, fertile agricultural resources, or upcycled products,”

MaltaIndipendent Friday, April 17, 2020 8:53:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “The projects I have in mind the waste-to-energy plant, and other state-of-the-art facilities are needed so that we will no longer need to take other lands for landfills,”

MaltaToday Friday, April 17, 2020 1:12:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “What happened in 2015 when the demerger took place was that the Planning Authority moved at a certain pace and rhythm; the environmental authority the environmental watchdog didn’t move at the same pace, and I am here to make sure that it starts moving at a faster pace as well, and moves forward,”

MaltaToday Friday, April 17, 2020 1:12:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : "While it is all well and good to have zones in more rural areas where families can visit, we need to make sure that green zones are also present at the heart of our localities. These projects are the first step towards the holistic vision for the environment sector, and I am committed to continue working towards a shift in mentality in this regard"

MaltaIndipendent Friday, April 10, 2020 1:26:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “These projects are the first step towards the holistic vision for the environment sector, and I am committed to continue working towards a shift in mentality in this regard,”

gozonews Thursday, April 9, 2020 6:21:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “These are plants for the separation of recyclable waste, for the processing of organic waste and the recovery of energy from residual waste. The plants would include the Waste to Energy Facility, the Hazardous Waste Thermal Treatment Facility, Skip Loading Facility, Composting Facility, and an Organic Processing Plant. These plants require a significant amount of land and they are being placed close to each other for more logistical efficiency, and in line with government electoral manifesto pledge to give Sant’ Antnin facility back to the people,”

MaltaIndipendent Wednesday, March 4, 2020 7:16:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “We will not have management by crisis,”

MaltaIndipendent Wednesday, March 4, 2020 7:16:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “I do not believe in a fortress mentality,”

MaltaIndipendent Wednesday, March 4, 2020 7:16:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia insisted : “If we don’t take the decisions now, next year we will be telling people to not put out their black rubbish bags, because we won’t have anywhere to dispose of them,”

MaltaToday Saturday, February 29, 2020 4:05:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia explained : “I have held a number of discussions with the Maltese ambassador for Climate Change, Professor Simone Borg and we are meeting regularly to set up a holistic plan for our country and to reach international targets on the subject,”

MaltaIndipendent Wednesday, February 26, 2020 7:34:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “The PA and the enforcement board have to function efficiently, and with this new panel enforcement will be strengthened and given its due importance,”

MaltaToday Sunday, February 23, 2020 8:46:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “The review is a unique opportunity for all to be involved in the real change in mentality that the country needs on planning our future. I believe that we can make a positive leap forward which can not only radically change the value of design, architecture, and the building industry, but also improve everyone’s lives and foster wellbeing,”

MaltaIndipendent Tuesday, February 18, 2020 1:30:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “This cooperation highlights the importance of working together on communal issues, such as the marine biodiversity protection, which this project focuses upon. The aspect which I find most fascinating with regard to the HARMONY project is the role and the involvement of local communities,”

MaltaIndipendent Tuesday, February 18, 2020 1:30:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia replied : “The Prime minister and I are on the same wavelength when it comes to engaging stakeholders to safeguard the best interests of the Maltese and an example of this is the Harmony project, which is aimed at enhancing marine biodiversity protection,”

MaltaToday Monday, February 17, 2020 4:03:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “I have been in communication with the Planning Authority to see what stage the policy is currently at, and I have come to the conclusion that amendments need to be made in order for us to achieve the result we set out to achieve,”

MaltaToday Monday, February 17, 2020 4:03:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “This cooperation highlights the importance of working together on communal issues, such as the marine biodiversity protection, which this project focuses upon. The aspect which I find most fascinating with regard to the HARMONY project is the role and the involvement of local communities,”

gozonews Monday, February 17, 2020 3:03:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “We want to strengthen the areas related to permitting and compliance. Our aim, following the MEPA de-merger and the formation of ERA three years ago, is to now strengthen the authority,”

timesofmalta Tuesday, February 4, 2020 5:10:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “As Environment Minister I will be making sure that the laws that have long been in place are implemented,”

timesofmalta Tuesday, February 4, 2020 5:10:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “Quality of life is not only an economic matter. It is also an environmental one. That is why our priority is the protection of our environment. The environment is also a matter of economic importance,”

gozonews Tuesday, February 4, 2020 2:27:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “this was the argument that Birdife made but one obviously respects the decision taken by the Prime Minister”

MaltaIndipendent Friday, January 31, 2020 6:47:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “I think that while this government has made massive leaps forward in terms of economic growth, the time has come to shift the focus on socio-economic elements, promoting justice, good governance, and environmentally sustainable practices,”

MaltaToday Thursday, January 23, 2020 5:56:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : "I am happy that the environment ministry onces again includes the planning portfolio along with climate change,"

MaltaToday Wednesday, January 15, 2020 7:54:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : "we should let the institutions to continue working, as we have"

MaltaIndipendent Friday, November 22, 2019 4:47:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “The aim behind enabling conditions is to ensure that the right framework is in place at the national level to enable the effective implementation of fundsand certainly not to create increased obligations that may actually not be linked to the objectives of the funds, or that may result in increasing the administrative burden in the implementation of the funds,” “Conditionalities have been with us even before EU membership, first through the implementation of the acquis communitaire, then the Maastricht and Copenhagen criteria, later by strengthening the Stability and Growth Pact with the Six Pack and the Two Pack, and most recently with the Ex Ante and macroeconomic conditionalities”

MaltaToday Thursday, June 27, 2019 7:44:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia concluded ( about Commission ) : “As we are in negotiations with the European Commission on which areas to invest in European funding for the next period, including as regards the European Regional Development Fund, we are going to meet with farmers and fishermen to discuss the needs and requirements of their industry,”

gozonews Tuesday, April 16, 2019 1:50:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia explained : "These EU-funded projects are representing a revival of a part of our history, which will attract both locals and tourists to experience life as it is and was in our towns and villages. The objective of the project is to have a more competitive cultural tourism product, by exploiting the potential to attract more visitors that the niche segment of cultural tourism has,"

MaltaIndipendent Sunday, April 7, 2019 3:49:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : "Projects like these are an investment towards strengthening communities and protecting our Maltese identity - ensuring that upcoming generations have access to our heritage,"

MaltaIndipendent Sunday, April 7, 2019 3:49:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said ( about Commission ) : “Indeed, this consultation on the National Reform Programme provides a space for reflection on Malta’s progress in addressing the Europe 2020 targets, whilst presenting the government’s reaction to the challenges identified in the Country Report published by the European Commission earlier in February,”

MaltaToday Monday, April 1, 2019 3:33:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia added ( about Commission ) : “In recognition of this, the European Commission proposed a regulation on the establishment of the Reform Support Programme with a view to strengthen instruments based on EU funding that are intended to support governments in implementing country-specific recommendations or other challenges identified in the European Semester,”

MaltaToday Monday, April 1, 2019 3:33:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “EU funds are being used to help Maltese businesses, not only from an infrastructural perspective, but also through providing upskilling and through the Business Enhance Scheme, which is making grants available for firms such as SMEs and start-ups,”

MaltaToday Monday, March 18, 2019 6:29:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “It would have been more appropriate and helpful if, during the conference organised by Roberta Metsola, it was discussed how the new programmes could continue to assist Maltese businesses,” “The conference which should have been a positive one which compliments Malta’s successful management and use of EU funds, was instead used to criticise Malta in regards to a sector which was particularly successful in our country. In fact, recently, EU Commissioner Corina Cretu said that Malta should serve as an example to other countries for its good management of EU funds,”

MaltaToday Tuesday, March 5, 2019 4:05:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said ( about Nello Musumeci ) : “In a recent meeting I had with President of Sicily Nello Musumeci, we decided to work towards closer cooperation between Malta and Sicily, for the benefit of our citizens,”

MaltaIndipendent Friday, February 1, 2019 5:29:00 AM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “Ms Pisani Bugeja has no conflict of interest”

timesofmalta Sunday, January 27, 2019 8:58:00 PM EAT

Aaron Farrugia said : “So the EU is faced with the challenge of how to do more with less,” “The silver lining to this problem could be improvement in financial efficiency It will be interesting to see how political parties across Europe propose to adapt to the new fiscal realities,”

MaltaToday Thursday, January 10, 2019 6:06:00 PM EAT