Malta: Government Contracts, Procurement & PPP

Malta's Department of Contracts has issued Circular 07/2026, introducing foreign direct investment screening as a mandatory step in public procurement procedures involving critical activities and third-country investors. This development requires contracting authorities and economic operators to navigate new compliance obligations that bridge investment regulation and procurement law, potentially affecting contract award timelines and bidder eligibility assessments.

Initially issued in September 2023, the tender was cancelled by the Local Council without explanation, despite the Evaluation Committee having identified a preferred, technically compliant bidder.

A report on the workings of the Public Contracts Review Board (PCRB) in 2022 has been published recently.