https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/119287 Sun, 12 Apr 2026 15:38:13 GMT 2026-04-12T15:38:13Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/131766 Title: The European Union's legal framework and human trafficking : the case of Malta Abstract: This dissertation uses Malta as a case study to examine the impact of the European Union and national legal frameworks on preventing and combating human trafficking. As a key entry point to Europe, Malta faces unique challenges due to its geographical location and migration pressures. The research examines how well Malta's policies align with EU anti-trafficking directives and identifies gaps between policy and practice. Using a mixed-methods approach – combining legal analysis, policy review and an interview with an NGO in Malta – the study highlights both structural and practical issues. While Malta has made efforts to comply with EU legislation, corruption, insufficient resources and weak enforcement continue to undermine its anti-trafficking initiatives. Scandals such as those involving the Identità agency demonstrate systemic failures, while strict immigration policies increase the vulnerability of migrants and asylum seekers to become victims of human trafficking. In addition, inconsistent cooperation between NGOs and government agencies further weakens victim support, especially for male victims and labour exploitation. The findings highlight the need for stronger enforcement and the eradication of corruption to combat human trafficking effectively. The study calls on the EU to prioritise strengthening accountability measures for Member States to ensure the full and consistent implementation of existing anti-trafficking directives. Introducing new legislation would likely be ineffective if Member States continue to ignore enforcement, as they do with current laws. It is not that the current laws are insufficient, but they will remain ineffective without proper implementation and enforcement, leading to the same outcomes as new legislation would under similar circumstances. Without addressing the lack of enforcement, both current and future legislation will fail to effectively combat human trafficking in Malta and the EU. Description: M.A.(Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/131766 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/131765 Title: The European Union’s emissions trading system and the ‘fit for 55’ package Abstract: The EU ETS is frequently seen as the foundation of the EU's climate policy. Its goal is to reduce emissions by charging for GHG emissions in the manufacturing, power, and aviation sectors – and through the latest proposals known as the FF55 package, to cover the BRT sectors. It accomplishes this by encouraging investments in emission reductions by raising the cost of routine energy-intensive businesses. Additionally, it offers a significant opportunity for the EU to redirect money from polluting projects to those that support climate action, industry modernisation, and innovation. The EU’s FF55 legislative package aims to evaluate, reform, and update EU law in accordance with the climate targets established by the Council and the European Parliament. The intention of the measures comprising the package is to ensure that EU policies are in accordance with the climate targets. It is based on the EU's target of at least a 55% reduction in net GHG emissions by 2030. The package contains proposals for a wide range of changes to the current EU ETS. The proposed increased ambition is intended to be secured by consolidating and strengthening the existing provisions, as well as by broadening the scheme's application to cover maritime transport, phasing out the free allocation of allowances to aviation and industries covered by the CBAM, and developing a new standalone ETS 2 for BRT, among other measures. This dissertation has reviewed the ETS, traced its historical development since its inception, and assessed the effects of the EU's FF55 package on the EU ETS and, ultimately, the effects of the amended ETS on the EU MS. It has looked at how the ETS might be expected to change and has tried to answer the question as to whether the improvements that the EU has set out to achieve in the domain of climate change will actually materialise. Description: M.A.(Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/131765 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/131764 Title: The limits of the right to be forgotten in the context of court of justice of the European Union case law on search engines Abstract: In today's technological age, everything is easily available through the internet. As technology advances, the internet and social media have become an integral component of people's daily lives. Nonetheless, albeit all the benefits that modern technology advancements have brought forth, it is fair to say that perils to one’s rights to privacy and freedom of expression and information have been brought to the forefront. The purpose of this study is to analyse the right to be forgotten in the digital era, with a special emphasis on the Court of Justice of the European Union’s (CJEU) search engine jurisprudence. A thorough analysis of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Article 17, which establishes the right to be forgotten—is at the heart of this inquiry. The aim is to delineate the limitations of the right to be forgotten in the context of a society growing more digitally connected, where personal information is easily available and frequently permanent. By analysing several significant case laws delivered by the CJEU, this research aims to evaluate the way in which the court balances the right to privacy in relation to other essential rights, including the freedom of expression and information. The study finds that the right to be forgotten is still a developing legal concept, however, there are substantial limitations to its implementation. In the cases analysed in this study, the CJEU accentuated that to avoid unnecessarily restricting public access to information, the right to be forgotten ought to be balanced against the right to freedom of expression and information, thus, necessitating a case-by-case analyses. Despite having a legal basis in the GDPR, the right to be forgotten is nevertheless ambiguous, particularly in regards to its territorial reach and interplay with other rights. Therefore, moving forward, clearer guidelines and preventive measures are needed to better safeguard privacy without infringing on freedom of expression. Description: M.A.(Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/131764 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/131763 Title: The impact of Brexit on Ireland and its place in the EU Abstract: The United Kingdom's choice to exit the European Union (EU), known as Brexit, stands as one of the most pivotal geopolitical events of the 21st century. This event has had global implications, especially for the Republic of Ireland, an EU member state with deeply rooted historical, cultural, and socio-political ties to the UK. This study examines the multifaceted impacts of Brexit on Ireland, focusing on social, political, and economic contexts, and explores how Ireland is managing these consequences while maintaining its position within the EU. Initially, Ireland’s accession to the European Communities in 1973, alongside the UK and Denmark, marked a significant phase of European integration and cooperation. For Ireland, EU membership facilitated political and economic modernisation, particularly benefiting its primarily agricultural economy. Despite the UK’s decision to exit the Union, Ireland has continued to support the EU project, maintaining its image as a thriving and committed EU member state. Brexit has significantly affected Ireland, given its close economic and political ties with the UK. The re-emergence of a hard border within the island of Ireland and potential threats to the peace process established by the Good Friday Agreement were major concerns. The Agreement was signed in 1998, ended decades of conflict in Northern Ireland and was bolstered by the EU's single market, which eased border life and facilitated free movement between Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Protocol, part of the Brexit withdrawal agreement, sought to avoid a hard border by keeping Northern Ireland aligned with certain EU regulations. However, this protocol has faced political resistance from unionists in Northern Ireland, who argue that it undermines their British identity. The Windsor Framework, introduced in 2023, aims to address these issues by facilitating smoother trade between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, while preserving the open border on the island of Ireland. Ireland's role within the EU has evolved post-Brexit, positioning it as a more influential player in shaping EU policies. Ireland has aligned itself with Nordic and Benelux countries, advocating for stability and growth within the EU. The country’s proactive approach in addressing the challenges posed by Brexit underscores its resilience and adaptability. Brexit has had profound and mixed impacts on Ireland, affecting its political, social, and economic landscapes. Ireland has responded strategically, leveraging its EU membership to mitigate negative effects and seize new opportunities. This study highlights the ongoing nature of Brexit's consequences and Ireland's efforts to secure its future within the EU, demonstrating its capacity to navigate the complexities of a changing geopolitical environment. Description: M.A.(Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/131763 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z