Maltese hauliers call for smarter EU funding access to tackle rising costs and green transition

Maltese transport and logistics operators are urging policymakers to streamline access to EU and local funding, warning that without better support, the sector risks falling behind in efforts to modernise operations and cut emissions.

The message was delivered during a seminar organised by the Association of Tractors and Trailers Operators (ATTO), where industry leaders and Government representatives discussed the challenges hauliers face in balancing regulatory demands, high costs, and the push for sustainability.

The seminar was addressed by Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, Minister for EU Funds, Shadow Minister David Agius, Claude Sammut, Director General, EU Funds, Cain Grech Sargent, Chief Business Development Officer at Malta Enterprise and Rodrick Zerafa, CEO, Servizzi Ewropej f’Malta.

In his welcome address, ATTO Chairman Joseph Bugeja emphasised the importance of collective national efforts in protecting the industry from burdensome legislation.

He referred specifically to the EU proposed Directive regarding the return of tractor units to their base in Malta every eight weeks, which ATTO and the Ministry for Transport successfully lobbied against and highlighted that Maltese international trailer operators continue to face unique challenges compared to their mainland counterparts. 

“Our geographic insularity imposes specific constraints – from dependency on ferry connections, to the high cost of sustainable fuels, and inflexible driver regulations. The current EU framework does not sufficiently account for these realities. This is a critical moment for the European Commission to recognise and act on these disparities,” he said.

Ronald Attard Pullicino, Director at Transport Malta, underlined the potential consequences had the Return of Vehicles been implemented locally. 

“Had the Directive been applied to Malta, transport companies would have faced an estimated 11 per cent rise in operating costs, a burden that would have been passed on to consumers through higher prices,” he said.

He also addressed the sector’s hesitation in applying for funding, attributing it partly to perceptions that the process is long and bureaucratic. 

“While the process can indeed be demanding and resource-intensive, there is scope to design tailored schemes that can support the sector in its transition towards greener, digitalised, and more innovative practices,” he added.