https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/87687 Sat, 27 Jun 2026 14:32:53 GMT 2026-06-27T14:32:53Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/92246 Title: Virtual asset deployment in small island states : the case of Malta Abstract: Since the inception of virtual assets, regulatory approaches by small island states have been marginalised and discredited for enabling the blockchain industry. Without being formally connected to the discourse on small states as financial centres, the literature on virtual asset regulation has reinforced the narrative of risky, secretive and vulnerable societies to financial crime. This research counters this narrative in the case of Malta. Despite its self-proclamation as blockchain island, Malta is proven to be competitive and compliant with EU law. For challenging the narrative of Malta being labelled as 'tax haven' in the EU, the case of Malta is analysed multidisciplinary. A three-phased mixed methods case studies was undertaken to test Malta' compliance with EU legislations on anti money laundering and combatting terrorist financing in respect to the 2018 introduced virtual financial asset framework. The theory-driven hypothesis testing was undertaken by the methods of text mining, keyword queries and qualitative data analysis, which examined Maltese acts and EU directives as documents. Eight pieces of legislation were coded and determined that the Maltese DLT framework complies with EU AML legislation and is competitive because elements of Maltese governments were traced in the proposal for a directive on Markets in Crypto-Assets by the European Commission. Description: M.A. ISSS(Melit.) Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/92246 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/92227 Title: Integrating third country nationals in the European Union with special reference to Malta, Cyprus and Luxembourg Abstract: This dissertation aims to respond to research questions concerning the importance of coherent integration strategy within the EU, the factors that contribute to successful integration of third country nationals (TCNs) and the special integration problems faced by the three smallest states of the EU, namely Malta, Cyprus and Luxembourg. Following a content analysis method of recent academic literature on migration and integration, several conclusions are developed, focussing on concepts relating to the research questions. The main findings of the content analysis are then discussed with practitioners in the field of migration and integration in an attempt to validate the results of the content analysis regarding successful integration of TCNs. The dissertation contends that small states tend to suffer from structural challenges associated with the institutional frameworks and capabilities to target particular groups such as migrant children, women or particular migrant nationalities. Conclusively, this dissertation argues in favour of continued efforts to achieve integration. However, the strategies implemented must be sustainable and long term goals following the core European principles of integration while being adapted to the characteristics of the host country concerned and their migration mix. Description: M.A. ISSS(Melit.) Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/92227 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/92226 Title: A retrospective study of teenage pregnancy and its repercussions in small island states : a focus on Malta Abstract: This dissertation aims at gaining an understanding about the phenomenon of teenage pregnancy as seen through the eyes of former teenage mothers. It seeks to gain knowledge from their experiences about the leading causes and their coping strategies within an island context. The level of support received and sexuality education were analysed in this study. A thorough definition and sociological factors associated with this phenomenon will be provided in the literature review. This research focuses on Malta, but it also provides a general overview of teenage pregnancy across several states, including islands and small states. Ultimately, it seeks to understand whether an island mentality contributes to social constructions of teenage mothers. A number of recommendations were put forward, aimed at professionals and policy makers working in this field. Description: M.A. ISSS(Melit.) Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/92226 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/92219 Title: Disaster risk reduction to multi-hazards in small island developing states : the case of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Abstract: Many Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are vulnerable to hazardous events because of their characteristics of being remote, small, and susceptible to external shocks. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) is one such small island state that is faced with multiple hazardous events. There is therefore a need for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) measures to be in place for such islands to be able to withstand the impacts of these hazards. This research aims to investigate frameworks on DRR in multi-hazardous situations in SIDS and the extent of implementation of DRR measures in SVG, through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and a content analysis of national budgets spanning from 2012 to 2021. The results show that there is a progressive increase in the mentions and allocations of budgetary sums to DRR. There are, however, key DDR terms and concepts that are conspicuously absent from the budgets such as risk assessment, risk awareness, and education, linked to multi-hazards, which suggests that a lack of adequate measures, and corresponding funding, is to be registered. This study may be useful to guide policy in the area of DDR measures in SVG and support further research in the area of multihazards in SIDS. Description: M.A. ISSS(Melit.) Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/92219 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z