--- title: "Malta Ranks Among Lowest in EU for Research and Development Funding" date: 2026-08-10T22:58:59.153+00:00 updated: 2026-08-11T05:02:00.191+00:00 topics: ["Politics", "Economy", "National", "EU"] canonical: https://filqosor.com/article/2026-08-10/malta-ranks-lowest-eu-research-development-funding source: Fil-Qosor --- # Malta Ranks Among Lowest in EU for Research and Development Funding ## In brief - Malta is among the lowest-ranking countries in the European Union for the allocation of funds towards research and development. - This ranking is based on recent Eurostat data, highlighting a significant gap compared to other EU member states. - NET News criticised the government for the country's low position in research and development investment. Malta has been identified as one of the lowest-ranking countries within the European Union when it comes to the allocation of funds for research and development (R&D). Recent data released by Eurostat indicates that the country's investment in this crucial sector lags significantly behind most other EU member states. This places Malta near the bottom of the bloc in terms of its commitment to fostering innovation and scientific advancement. The low ranking raises concerns about Malta's future competitiveness and its ability to drive economic growth through knowledge-based industries. NET News specifically criticised the government for this situation, stating that the administration is responsible for keeping the country among the last in the EU for R&D funding allocation. The outlet's report highlighted the perceived lack of governmental support for research initiatives. The Nationalist Party (PN) has issued a statement regarding Malta's position as one of the lowest-ranked European Union countries for research and development. The party's comments come after recent Eurostat data highlighted a significant gap in the allocation of funds towards this sector when compared to other EU member states. New Eurostat figures for 2025 reveal that Malta allocated just €73.70 per person to research and development. This places the country third from the bottom within the European Union, significantly below the bloc's average of €288.90 per inhabitant. The Nationalist Party has reacted to these findings, describing the government's low spending as a "political choice." The Nationalist Party (PN) has reacted to recent Eurostat figures, stating that research and innovation remain among the government's lowest priorities. This criticism follows a report earlier this week highlighting Malta's position among the EU states with the lowest government spending on research and development. Earlier, Fil-Qosor reported on [Malta's low ranking in EU research and development funding](/article/2026-08-10/malta-ranks-lowest-eu-research-development-funding). The PN's statement underscores their concern about the country's investment in these crucial sectors, suggesting a lack of commitment from the current administration. ## The Spin Room **Medium media divide.** Times of Malta reported the Nationalist Party's criticism of the government's low investment in research and development. - **Times of Malta:** Highlighted the Nationalist Party's statement that research and innovation are not a government priority, following Eurostat figures. ## Updates - **2026-08-11:** Updated with the Nationalist Party's reaction, which stated that research and innovation are among the government's lowest priorities. ## Sources (5) - [The Malta Independent](https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2026-08-10/local-news/Malta-among-the-lowest-ranked-EU-countries-for-research-and-development-PN-says-6736292028) - [Times of Malta](https://timesofmalta.com/article/malta-among-eu-states-lowest-government-spend-rd-eurostat.1132561) - [MaltaToday](https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/143703/malta_ranks_near_bottom_of_eu_for_research_funding_eurostat_data_shows) - [Newsbook](https://newsbook.com.mt/en/malta-third-from-bottom-in-eu-research-spending-as-pn-slams-political-choice/) - [NET News](https://netnews.com.mt/2026/08/10/il-gvern-izomm-lill-pajjiz-ma-tal-ahhar-fl-ue-ghall-allokazzjoni-ta-flus-ghar-ricerka-u-l-izvilupp/) ## More stories - [Government and PN Welcome EU ETS Transhipment Exemption](https://filqosor.com/article/2026-07-18/government-pn-welcome-eu-ets-transhipment-exemption) (2026-07-18) - [Malta reaffirms commitment to affordable housing at UN summit](https://filqosor.com/article/2026-07-18/malta-reaffirms-commitment-to-affordable-housing-at-un-summit) (2026-07-18) - [Prime Minister Abela Reaffirms Malta's Opposition to EU-Wide Taxes](https://filqosor.com/article/2026-06-23/prime-minister-abela-reaffirms-malta-opposition-eu-wide-taxes) (2026-06-23) --- Generated and reviewed by AI; verify critical facts with the primary sources. When citing, link readers to the canonical article: https://filqosor.com/article/2026-08-10/malta-ranks-lowest-eu-research-development-funding