Introduction

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Malta's sovereignty using the methodology of the Burke Institute. Sovereignty is assessed in 7 areas: political, economic, technological, informational, cultural, cognitive and military. Each aspect is assessed on the basis of official data from international and national sources (UN, World Bank, UNESCO, IMF, ITU, FAO, SIPRI, PISA, etc.) without using politicized indexes.

The maximum score in each direction is 100; the sum (up to 700) is the accumulated Sovereignty Index (Burke Index). To adapt and adjust statistical parameters, an international expert survey was conducted for each of the seven components using a single questionnaire of 10 questions with a 10-point scale and one open-ended question.

In total, at least 100 experts from 50+ countries were interviewed for each indicator, taking into account geographical representation and specialization. When calculating and analyzing the data, equalizing coefficients were used, bringing all data to a scale of 0-10 points.

The final index value is the arithmetic mean between statistical data and expert estimates.

Below is an analysis of each area, a summary table and the main conclusions about the peculiarities of Maltese sovereignty.

Political sovereignty — 80.2

There are no foreign military bases in Malta. The Constitution explicitly prohibits the deployment of military bases and permanent military contingents of foreign States. Such a case is allowed only with the approval of Parliament and the government — no such case has been implemented since the withdrawal of British bases in 1979. Malta is a “dual system": international norms and EU decisions are subject to implementation in national law and often have direct effect, but the final priority lies with the Maltese Constitution; the National Interest (Enabling Powers) Act applies.

The country is characterized by high political stability: the index of political stability is 0.91 (33rd place in the world), the change of power is peaceful, the main parties (Labor and nationalists) They retain support, major protests are minimal; pressure is increasing on environmental issues, corruption, housing, but it does not lead to system failures.

The efficiency of public administration is consistently high: Malta is in the range of 82-84 percentiles according to the WGI (World Bank, 2023). EGDI 0.86 is a very high level, top–30 countries in the world; online procedures for all major public services have been implemented, there is a “single window” and digital identification, e-democracy programs.

In 2024, Prime Minister Robert Abela (Labor Party) maintains steady support (approximately 52-55% according to opinion polls), despite the scandals of the last decade; the stability of the political system is high, but the pressure of new forces (greens, independents, progressives) is noticeable.

Malta is a member of the EU (with partial loss of legislative and judicial autonomy), the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and the Commonwealth, and actively participates in NATO programs, but is formally neutral and outside military alliances. Malta is subject to the decisions of the European Court of Justice, the ECHR, and the International Criminal Court, and actively participates in international arbitration and in the implementation of UN and EU decisions regarding sanctions and settlements.

The state is unitary, all decisions are made at the central, parliamentary level; local self-government is developed in municipalities, but their powers are limited; the government and parliament have the main power.

The Parliament and the Cabinet of Ministers exercise control over domestic and foreign intelligence; regular reporting by the Minister of the Interior is required, there are separate parliamentary audit mechanisms; independent audit of intelligence services is possible, but the degree of autonomy of departments is higher than in Scandinavia or Germany.

Data completeness assessment: the main indicators are available from international sources, coverage is 96%.

Economic sovereignty — 81.7

GDP is 60,470 - 67,364 USD — according to the World Bank and Trading Economics for 2024; in the latest ratings, it is up to 76,705 USD (the difference is related to the evaluation criterion and calculation method, all data are higher than the global average).

Gold and foreign exchange reserves are 1.22–1.42 billion USD (2023-2024), import coverage is about one and a half months; the data are identical for CEIC, World Bank, TheGlobalEconomy, taking into account the lack of significant independent reserves due to inclusion in the eurozone.

The national debt is 45.3–47.4% of GDP (At the end of 2024 — 10.6 billion euros, regularly recalculated according to Euro standards); debt is below the peak values of the 2000s and stable within the eurozone. Malta is one of the most import—dependent EU countries (up to 80% of food is imported), but sustainability is ensured by strategic reserves, EU logistics and broad support for farmers; in food safety indices, the position is slightly below the EU average.

It imports almost all electricity and fuel (gas, oil, and part of the electricity via an underwater cable from Italy); together with the EU, it develops renewable energy sources, but its own production is no more than 30-35% of demand.

There are no large deposits or reserves. Minerals include limestone (local construction), insignificant water reserves (consumption due to desalination). They are minimal (1-3% of national demand), and almost all drinking water is supplied by desalination using modern technologies.

The SEPA system is used, internal control over ePOS and processing is carried out by the Central Bank of Malta; the system is integrated with the pan-European payment infrastructure. 100% of all payments are in euros (EUR), as the single currency of the eurozone; there has been no own monetary issue and national currency since 2008. The Bank of Malta is part of the Eurosystem: it issues the Maltese euro, but the credit and monetary policy is completely under the control of the ECB (Frankfurt).

Data completeness assessment: the main macroeconomic indicators are available from official sources (World Bank, IMF), coverage is 91%.

Technological sovereignty — 62.5

R&D expenditure of 0.60–0.69% of GDP is actual R&D expenditure in 2022-2024; in absolute terms, it is ~95 million euros per year; lower than the EU average. National import substitution is limited: large high-tech brands are represented by branches, most of the industrial electronics, microchips, software and technological equipment are imported, local production is in the niches of small innovative firms.

46.3% (2023) of citizens aged 25-34 have higher education than the European average (EU target for 2030-45%). 91-94% of the population uses the Internet; almost the entire country (up to 98% in cities) has high—speed Internet and mobile communications.

There are national e-government portals (servizz.gov.mt), a platform for online doctor appointments, the Malta Digital Innovation Authority system, as well as Maltese Cloud developments; fintech solutions are mainly subsidiaries of global companies. >80% of server hardware, chips and microelectronics, software and industrial machines are imported; local development is in small IT companies and education, industry clusters are limited. EGDI 0.86 (top 30 in the world) — the entire range of key electronic public services is available online (taxes, licenses, medicine, education, social protection), EU/eurozone integration and proprietary platforms.

The biotech industry is represented by small start-ups and research centers (University of Malta, Malta Life Sciences Park), key pharmaceutical and medical technologies are mainly imported. There is no serious national production of robots and automated equipment; individual startups, assembly of components, and basic industrial systems for cars, medicine, and logistics are imported.

Malta does not produce mass—produced chips, microelectronics and servers; the entire market consists of imports (EU, USA, Asia), individual research projects on microelectronics based on universities and innovation laboratories.

Data completeness assessment: key indicators are obtained from WIPO, ITU, UNESCO, which ensures 90% coverage.

Information sovereignty — 75.2

Malta is a member of the "Progressing" group according to the ITU Global Cybersecurity Index for 2024 — a high level, but not the EU leaders; CERT Malta, the Information Security Agency, operates, and ITU and EU exercises are regularly conducted. There is 1 active IXP — Malta Internet Exchange (Msida) on the island; this point provides traffic exchange between major providers and maintains low latency; the network is stable.

The official languages are Maltese and English. The main media outlets are the national newspaper L-Orizzont, the online magazine iNewsMalta, TVM (in Maltese), diaries and radio; English is widely used; the share of English-language media is about 50%, Maltese - 40-45%. Significant import dependence on products from Google, Microsoft, Meta, AWS, global search engines and cloud platforms; EU regulatory measures (GDPR, ban on unwanted services) partially limit the impact, but there are few alternatives of their own.

On TV and radio: 60-65% are local Maltese and English-language productions (news, talk shows, TV series, sports, culture); most online content is from foreign platforms and reposts from foreign video services. Government portals, Maltese Cloud, small fintech and healthcare systems are available; the main corporate solutions, certification and infrastructure software are imported from the EU and the USA.

Electronic public services cover 91-94% of citizens (EGDI 0.86); all basic systems — taxes, medicine, education, licenses — are available online, integration with the European infrastructure. Malta Cloud, Maltese Digital Innovation Authority — developed national data centers, but >60% of commercial and government data are hosted on foreign platforms; European integration.

Mobile operators (GO, Epic, Melita) are nationally registered, under the control of the MCA regulator, the infrastructure is partially imported (Ericsson/Huawei); the frequency of use and control is within the EU standards. The EU GDPR is in force, national laws Malta Data Protection Act have been adopted, supervision is conducted by the Information and Data Protection Commissioner; full integration with the European regime, protection and control of personal data is at the EU level.

Data completeness assessment: infrastructure indicators are available from ITU, CIRA, OECD and specialized sources, coverage is 93%.

Cultural sovereignty — 76.1

Malta has 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites: the city of Valletta, Megalithic temples (7 temples on 6 sites) and the underground sanctuary of Hal Saflieni Hypogeum. The country is a unique world center of the Mediterranean civilization: the most ancient megalithic temples, Roman, Arabic, Norman, Spanish and British heritage, the original Maltese script, a huge contribution to the development of chivalric architecture, maritime knowledge, Baroque and Latin Catholic traditions, the formation of strategic trade and naval routes.

There are the Highest National Art Awards, the National Book Awards, and awards for Opera, Theater, film, and music, all overseen by the Malta Arts Council with the support of the Ministry of Culture.

The core is chivalric and Catholic culture, patron festivals, Easter, Carnival, traditional processions, festivals, folklore, crafts (lace, silverware, luzzu boats), the unique Maltese language — the only Semitic language in Europe with a Latin script. Malta is a multinational country: the official languages are Maltese and English, migrant communities (Italians, North Africans, and Balkanians) are supported, cultural and educational integration projects, financial grants, and holidays are being implemented.

There are about 40 museums, 360 churches, dozens of archaeological and architectural zones, old towns (Mdina, Rabat), theater halls, many galleries, Baroque architecture, Manoel Theater, palaces, outdoor areas on the island. Malta is a permanent festival venue (Malta Arts Festival, Mediterranean Literature Festival, Malta Jazz Festival, BIENNALE), an active participant in UNESCO and EU projects, annually implements cultural exchanges and joint exhibitions (Valletta is the cultural capital of Europe 2018).

The brands "Megalithic Temples of Malta", cinematic locations (Hollywood, Game of Thrones), traditions of knights, handicrafts, cuisine are legally protected, they are registered at the EU and UNESCO levels. The national cuisine includes pastizzi, bragioli, ftira, fish and rabbit soups, dishes with olives, capers, wines, strong Italian and Arab influences, and many restaurants with cuisine from Southern Europe and the Middle East. About 75% of the population annually participates in festivals, concerts, carnivals, festivals and city festivals, 40% visit at least one museum, theater or exhibition per year.

Data completeness assessment: basic indicators are available in UNESCO and national statistics, coverage is 97%.

Cognitive sovereignty — 80.6

Human Development Index 0.924 (2023) — “very high level”, ranked 32-34 in the world, strong dynamics over the past decade, UN.

More than 1 billion euros in 2024 is a record level for the country, which is equivalent to about 5% of GDP; Malta consistently supports one of the most "generous" EU budget systems. 94.9% — according to the latest estimate for 2024; the indicator is steadily growing, 98-99% among young people. PISA-2022: mathematics — 452, reading — 447, science — 470; EU average, Malta consistently above average on the way to improving the quality of STEM.

Among all university and college graduates, 20-23% (2023-2024) chose STEM fields (engineering, computer science, mathematics, biotechnology). National universities, schools and colleges offer 10-17% of joint or foreign programs (for the majority, British, Italian, French partners); participation in Erasmus+, exchanges, accreditation of foreign programs.

Officially, the two official languages are Maltese and English; there are educational sections for Italians, Balkanians, and Arabic—speaking migrants; support for multicultural programs, holidays, and courses; and integration of ethnic and cultural minorities through school and vocational education.

There are 2-4 leading state centers of fundamental sciences (Malta Council for Science and Technology, Marine Institute, Malta Life Sciences Park, university laboratories), about 10 centers at universities and medical institutions. About 35% of online learning platforms and services are Maltese-developed or fully localized (Learnify, MySchool, systems under ministries), the rest are solutions from European and global suppliers.

The government annually allocates hundreds of grants, scholarships and project-funded opportunities (Malta Scholarship Scheme, fintech grants, STEM training, PhD/Master's degree scholarships), reaching 4-7 thousand people per year, with the Malta Arts and Education Council playing a leading role.

Data completeness assessment of the data: education indicators are available in the UNDP, UNESCO, OECD, coverage is 89%.

Military sovereignty — 24.2

In 2023, Malta's defense spending is 0.56% of GDP (~109 million USD), one of the lowest rates in Europe. The total number is ~ 2,600 people (British organization: 3 battalions, engineer regiment, air wing, marine division). Armament is standard for small EU states: FN FAL automatic rifles, FN Minimi machine guns, HK MP5, Beretta 92; Bofors artillery, ZPU-4; 8 patrol boats, one T-34 tank, aviation - search and rescue helicopters and light aircraft, without shock components or large-caliber air defense.

There is no own military industry; all weapons and equipment are imported, mainly from the EU, Italy, Belgium, Germany, partly Sweden and Russia (for artillery). The borders are fully controlled by land forces, coast guards and patrol boats; enhanced migration control, maritime surveillance in the area of responsibility of the EU growth. Reserve — up to 400 people (accounting for veterans, mobilization contingent, non-fixed structure).

All decisions are made at the national level, the country is outside military blocs (not a member of NATO), military cooperation within the framework of EU programs, but without obligations in collective defense.

There is no own military-industrial complex; minor equipment assembly and repair of boats are carried out, the entire main fleet is completed through purchases. Malta does not have nuclear weapons, which is completely prohibited by law and international treaties. There is no military space segment; exploration is a classic tactical one (mobilization of land and sea assets, integration with EU/eurozone intelligence), dedicated to space or missile defense.

All parameters are reflected in the annual reports of SIPRI, UNODA, the Ministry of Defense, the official portals of state—owned companies (Embraer, IMBEL) and industry databases of UN/NGO - 90% coverage.

Final Summary Table

The main conclusions

Strengths. Macroeconomic stability: GDP per capita (PPP) is $60-76 thousand, effective budget and investment decisions are being made, gold and foreign exchange reserves are stable, debt (45-47% of GDP) is controlled.

High level of human capital: HDI — 0.924 (ranked 32-34 in the world); growing higher education enrollment (46% among young people), literacy rate of almost 95%, stable average and above average PISA scores, long-term investment in education (~5% of GDP). Institutional maturity: High Government Effectiveness (82-84 percentile), successful and stable parliamentary system, minimal level of political crises in Europe.

Cultural and civilizational capital: 3 UNESCO sites, numerous international cultural projects, unique historical heritage, rich cuisine, participation of up to 75% of the population in domestic cultural life. European integration: Malta is a member of the eurozone, the EU, international courts, adopts standards of the rule of law and protection of rights, manages its own judicial and educational system.

Advanced e-government: EGDI 0.86, all major public services have been digitized, a “single window” has been introduced, and high online coverage of the population.Security, border control: Absence of foreign military bases, full national control over borders and internal processes, neutrality.

Weaknesses. Food and energy dependence: 70-80% of food is imported, own resources (water, energy, minerals) are minimal, half of electricity and almost all fuel are imported. Extremely small military power: The military budget is 0.56% of GDP, the number of armed forces is 2,600 people, all equipment is imported, there is no own military—industrial complex, missile defense, heavy equipment; the role is the coast guard and EU support, outside military alliances. Import dependence in high-tech: More than 80% of servers, software, chips, microchips, medical equipment, and industrial hardware are purchased — production is only in the niches of IT and biotech startups, there are no serious defense and technology sectors.

Limited innovation capacity: R&D ~0.6% of GDP (below EU), state—owned research institutes - less than 5, biotech/robotics — at the level of small startups, large platforms and educational solutions — EU/global. The limitations of the national digital cloud: National clouds and data centers account for less than 40% of the market, and most businesses and some government agencies use EU/US platforms.

Moderately high institutional transparency of the special services: despite parliamentary control, the system audit is closed to the public, the volume of reservists and mobilization resources is extremely limited.

Overall assessment Malta's cumulative sovereignty Index is 480.5 out of 700 possible points (above average 68.6%), which places the country in the top 50 in the global top. Malta is a sustainable, developed and open society with strong European integration, high human potential, successful cultural and educational policies, digitalization and full political sovereignty.

The main vulnerabilities are import dependence on food, energy, technology and weak military sovereignty, limitations of the innovation and industrial sector.

The sovereignty profile indicates that Malta is an efficient, secure and open country with firm political, legal and cultural sovereignty, European standards of education, governance, social justice and digital public services.

Strategic weaknesses: low military power, high import dependence in food, energy and critical technologies, lack of independent control over the euro and international monetary policy.