VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Maltese Members of the European Parliament have rejected calls for EU intervention in Malta’s fireworks industry following last week’s explosion at a fireworks factory in Magħtab.
European Parliament Vice President Nicu Ștefănuță urged lawmakers to examine the safety and environmental risks linked to fireworks manufacturing, describing repeated factory explosions as a persistent threat to human life, property and the environment.
In a letter to fellow MEPs, the Romanian Green politician called for an assessment of whether Maltese and EU regulations are sufficient and suggested Malta could be required to ban fireworks production and large-scale storage if safety cannot be guaranteed.
Labour MEP Alex Agius Saliba strongly opposed the proposal, arguing that fireworks form an essential part of Malta’s cultural heritage and that the sector does not fall within EU competence.
He said fireworks production is strictly regulated under Maltese law and described accidents as rare incidents rather than a recurring norm.
Nationalist MEP Peter Agius also rejected calls for a ban, highlighting the role of fireworks in Malta’s religious feasts and cultural identity.
He pointed to existing regulations governing the manufacture, storage, transport and use of fireworks, as well as licensing and safety requirements for pyrotechnicians.
Agius noted that a magistrate’s inquiry into the Magħtab explosion is ongoing and said authorities should first determine what caused the incident before considering further action.
The exchange follows Monday’s explosion at a fireworks manufacturing facility in Magħtab, which reignited debate over the safety of the industry. While fireworks remain a central feature of village feasts, factory accidents have periodically resulted in serious injuries and fatalities.
Ștefănuță argued that the recurring nature of such incidents raises questions about whether current oversight measures are sufficient and called for discussion on possible EU-level responses.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
