Labour MEP Prof Edward Scicluna reacted with disappointment to the refusal of the European Commission to divulge whether it was funding the replacement of Malta’s outdated ID cards system, adding that the Maltese government was guilty of “purposely sowing seeds of needless confusion.”

Following repeated questions by Labour MP Leo Brincat on the issue, the Maltese government had claimed that it was seeking EU funding to pay for a replacement scheme.

Taking up the issue at EU level, Prof Scicluna questioned whether the government had applied for funding and for details about how it would be used. Replying on behalf of the Commission, Vivienne Reding said that “the Commission had no power to intervene” in what was “a national matter”.

Responding, Prof Scicluna said, “I am sure most Maltese people will share my disappointment at the continued lack of clarity on this issue. The Commission’s reply casts doubt on whether the Maltese government has misled the Maltese people and their representatives with a number of red herrings. We are no closer to knowing whether it has applied for funding for new ID cards or if it is even eligible for it.”

Concluding, Prof Scicluna said, “While the lack of any clarity exists, the mystery surrounding Malta’s ID cards deepens.”

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