Carmel Cacopardo

The European Parliament and the EU Council of Ministers in May 2018 approved Directive 844 of 2018 amending the 2010 EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings as well as the 2012 Directive on Energy Efficiency.

Directive 844 of 2018 seeks to further determine the parameters regulating the EU’s approach to energy efficiency in buildings and underlines the efforts of EU member states in achieving a sustainable and decarbonised building stock by 2050. This forms part of the EU’s broader climate policy initiatives, including the European Green Deal.

Of particular interest, Article 8 of the Directive focuses on electro-mobility. It lays down the rules which are to apply within the European Union for the provision of recharging points for electrical vehicles in non-residential buildings, both in new buildings as well as in those undergoing major renovations.

By not later than 1 January 2025 EU member states had to “lay down requirements for the installation of a minimum number of charging points for all non-residential buildings with more than twenty parking spaces”. This requirement was to be implemented eight months ago.

In last week’s edition The Malta Independent on Sunday pointed out on the front page: Government set to miss target to bolster electric vehicle infrastructure. Targets set have not been reached. It was pointed out that instead of the target of 1578 public electrical charging points, at this point in time we only have 378 charging points.

It is not only government that should contribute to the development of the required infrastructure to charge electric vehicles. In terms of the abovementioned EU Directive, it is crystal clear that it is also an integral part of the duty of developers. It is a responsibility to be shouldered in developing new property as well as when carrying out substantial renovation of existing property.

It results from EU Directive 844 of 2018 that the development of non-residential buildings having more than twenty parking spaces should henceforth also provide for the setting up a number of charging points for electric vehicles (EV) in the parking area.

I am informed that within the wider public service, in Malta, preparations to ensure that the development of non-residential buildings includes this responsibility was taken in hand some years back.

Specific proposals were drawn up to address Malta’s obligations as an EU member state and implement Directive 844 of 2018. It was being considered to ensure that at least one EV charging point was provided in non-residential buildings having more than 10 parking spaces. Proposals were also being considered to ensure than even in new residential buildings, when there are more than 10 parking spaces, developers would have the duty to ascertain that all parking spaces are provided with the required electrical installation. This would facilitate the subsequent installation of charging equipment by future occupiers when they so decide.

Unfortunately, these proposals were shot down by politicians who agreed with developers that they should avoid shouldering their responsibilities. These new responsibilities signified an impact on their profit margins through increased expenditure.

The holders of political office were reacting to intensive lobbying. We will never know exactly what was said and by whom as to date lobbying is not regulated in Malta. It is still a free-for-all. We can only guess, as no minutes of the meetings of the Honourable Minister/s are available!

The number of electric vehicles on our roads is increasing. Increasing access to EV charging points is an urgent necessity if the electrification of our transport needs is to proceed at a reasonable pace. Who will address the mess created as a result of this obstructive lobbying? Even developers have to shoulder their responsibilities. The sooner they come to their senses the better. It is only then that we can get in line with the implementation of EU Directive 844 of 2018.

Carmel Cacopardo – ADPD-The Green Party, Deputy Chairperson

published in The Malta Independent on Sunday: 21 September 2025