---
title: "EU Commission Recommends Malta's Exit from Excessive Deficit Procedure"
date: 2026-06-03T19:49:44.012+00:00
updated: 2026-06-04T20:05:07.607+00:00
topics: ["Politics", "Economy", "National", "EU"]
canonical: https://filqosor.com/article/2026-06-03/eu-commission-recommends-maltas-exit-from-excessive-deficit-procedure
source: Fil-Qosor
---

# EU Commission Recommends Malta's Exit from Excessive Deficit Procedure

## In brief

- The European Commission has officially recommended removing Malta from the Excessive Fiscal Deficit Procedure.
- Prime Minister Robert Abela stated this milestone provides "financial comfort" for continued investment.
- Malta's government debt-to-GDP ratio remains below the 60% reference value, despite a slight increase.

The European Commission has officially recommended that Malta be removed from the Excessive Fiscal Deficit Procedure. This development follows earlier reports that such a recommendation was anticipated. Earlier, Fil-Qosor reported on [Malta's national debt nearing €12 billion while the deficit shrinks](/article/2026-06-03/malta-national-debt-nears-12-billion-deficit-shrinks), noting the expectation of this recommendation.

The Maltese Herald reported that the Commission's document indicates Malta's government debt-to-GDP ratio increased from 45.9% at the end of 2024 to 46.4% at the end of 2025, but crucially, it remains below the 60% of GDP reference value.

Prime Minister Robert Abela has hailed this decision as a major milestone for the country. Lovin Malta quoted the Prime Minister stating that this expected exit from the procedure provides Malta with "financial comfort" to continue investing in its people and delivering on electoral promises.

The Prime Minister shared his comments in a video on his social media channels, emphasising the government's commitment to sustained investment.

The European Commission has officially confirmed that Malta has exited the Excessive Deficit Procedure, a significant development for the nation's financial standing. This confirmation comes after Malta successfully met its fiscal targets ahead of schedule.

MaltaToday reported that the country is set to exit the procedure after its deficit fell to 2.2%. The Malta Independent further confirmed that the European Commission acknowledged Malta's achievement in meeting its fiscal targets earlier than anticipated.

## The Spin Room

**Low media divide.** Both independent outlets reported the factual confirmation of Malta's exit from the Excessive Deficit Procedure consistently.

## Updates

- **2026-06-04:** Updated with the European Commission's official confirmation of Malta's exit from the Excessive Deficit Procedure.
- **2026-06-04:** Updated with Prime Minister Robert Abela's reaction to Malta's exit from the procedure, describing it as the 'best certificate' for the government.

## Sources (6, 4 outlets)

- [The Maltese Herald](https://themalteseherald.com/2026/06/03/eu-commission-recommends-to-remove-malta-out-of-excessive-fiscal-deficit-procedure/)
- [The Malta Independent](https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2026-06-03/local-news/Malta-set-to-become-first-EU-country-removed-from-excessive-deficit-procedure-6736290210)
- [Lovin Malta](https://lovinmalta.com/news/local/watch-robert-abela-says-eu-deficit-milestone-gives-malta-financial-comfort-to-keep-investing/)
- [MaltaToday](https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/142324/abela_says_malta_is_the_only_eu_country_removed_from_excessive_deficit_procedure)
- [The Malta Independent](https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2026-06-04/local-news/Prime-Minister-pledges-that-Malta-will-absolutely-not-return-to-EU-excessive-deficit-procedures-6736290242)
- [MaltaToday](https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/142300/malta_to_exit_eu_excessive_deficit_procedure_after_deficit_falls_to_22)

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- [Malta's Economy Grows by 1.1% in Q1 2026, Second Highest in EU](https://filqosor.com/article/2026-06-05/malta-economy-grows-1-1-q1-2026-second-highest-eu) (2026-06-05)
- [Malta's National Debt Nears €12 Billion While Deficit Shrinks](https://filqosor.com/article/2026-06-03/malta-national-debt-nears-12-billion-deficit-shrinks) (2026-06-03)

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