The ousting of the Malta Book Festival from the Mediterranean Conference Centre’s Republic Hall by a Malta Tourism Authority-funded event will be referred to the European Commission for breaking state aid rules, after the National Book Council’s appeals fell on deaf ears.

In January, National Book Council (NBC) chairman Mark Camilleri had appealed for political intervention into the matter in a bid to ensure that the beloved festival can keep its yearly November appointment at the MCC.

The MCC has been booked by the Cirque du Soleil, an event funded by the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) and organised by 356 Entertainment Group Ltd.

Taking to Facebook, Mr Camilleri noted that the MTA has given out more funding on summer parties aimed at teenagers and young people than the Book Council receives for its recurrent expenditure.

He pointed out that such events typically take place in summer, and therefore do not require a public subsidy.

The country’s tourism strategy has long called for additional investment in tourism activities for the shoulder months and low season.

“Apart from competing with other events organsiers,” he said, “this state-subsidised clique is now competing against the book industry […] having dislodged the Malta Book Festival from Republic Hall at MCC by organising a circus.”

He said that NBC has filed a judicial protest over the funding given by the MTA to a number of companies, and will be referring the matter to the European Commission for breaking state aid rules.

The judicial protest, seen by BusinessNow.mt, states that the MTA funding must be scrutinised by the EC to determine whether the financial assistance given by the Maltese state is compatible with the rules of the Internal Market.

It further states that the MTA’s actions go against the NBC’s rights as an operator in the touristic and cultural events market, causing it “great injury” by distorting market competition through the irregular use of public funds.

Companies excel through a diversity of views, says Melita Business’ Malcolm Briffa

September 29, 2023
by Edward Bonello

The Chief Officer Business and IoT explains the key elements that help Melita Business stay at the forefront of innovation

Guiding family businesses towards their future

September 27, 2023
by BN Writer

Joseph Gerada delves into the Family Business Office's role at the upcoming Transeo Winter Summit

Influx of TCNs was ‘unavoidable’ given local market cannot keep up with demand for talent – Lara Camilleri

September 23, 2023
by Rebecca Anastasi

The HR professional weighs in on the ongoing debate surrounding Malta’s foreign workforce