Malta among the lowest-ranked EU countries for research and development
In 2025, Malta allocated just €73.70 per person to research and development, placing the country third from bottom in the European Union, ahead only of Hungary and Romania, and well below the EU average of €288.90.
Figures published by the EU’s statistical agency, Eurostat, confirm that research and innovation remain among the Government’s lowest priorities.
In 2025, Malta allocated just €73.70 per person to research and development, placing the country third from bottom in the European Union, ahead only of Hungary and Romania, and well below the EU average of €288.90.
Worse still, when this investment is measured as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product, the Maltese Government’s allocation fell from 0.24% in 2015 to 0.17% in 2025, placing Malta among the lowest levels in the EU. This does not bode well at a time when other countries are increasing investment in research to build more innovative, productive and sustainable economies.
These are not merely figures, but the result of a political choice. A Government that fails to invest in research and innovation is limiting opportunities for our researchers, students and businesses, while weakening Malta’s future competitiveness.
The Government cannot expect to be taken seriously on its Malta Vision 2050 while, at the same time, allowing investment in research and development to remain among the lowest in Europe. A long-term vision is not built on slogans and documents, but through concrete investment in knowledge, talent and innovation. If the Government genuinely wants a more competitive, resilient and higher value-added economy by 2050, it must start allocating the necessary resources now.
The Partit Nazzjonalista insists that Malta needs a serious plan, with clear targets and adequate funding, to strengthen research at the University and across educational institutions, encourage greater private-sector investment, and translate innovation into quality, higher value-added jobs.
Malta cannot continue talking about an economy of the future while investing so little in building it.
Joe Giglio
Shadow Minister for Justice, Research and Innovation
George Vital Zammit
Spokesperson for Research and Innovation
10.08.2026
