Inflation, immigration and housing dominate top Maltese concerns

Malta has recorded high levels of EU support, even as inflation, immigration and housing emerged as the three most pressing issues on the public's mind, according to the latest Standard Eurobarometer 105 survey published by the European Commission on Friday.

The survey, which covered all 27 member states, was carried out in Malta through face-to-face interviews with 502 people between 12 March and 1 April this year.

On domestic concerns, 41% of Maltese respondents pointed to rising prices, inflation and the cost of living as one of the two most important issues facing the country, the top concern by some distance. Immigration followed at 29%, with housing at 24%.

At EU level, Maltese respondents diverged somewhat from the domestic picture. Russia's invasion of Ukraine ranked highest at 29%, followed by the international situation at 27% and security and defence at 22%. Immigration also featured at 20%.

On trust, 60% of Maltese respondents said they tended to trust the European Union, compared with an EU27 average of 51%, an increase of 3 percentage points since the previous survey. Trust in the national government stood at 52%, compared with an EU27 average of 37%.

Some 68% of respondents said they were optimistic about the future of the EU, compared with 60% across the bloc.