MSA's Feedback to the Social Climate Fund Public Consultation

 The Malta Sociological Association (MSA) welcomes the opportunity to contribute to this consultation and supports the principle behind the Social Climate Fund, that of ensuring a just and inclusive transition to climate neutrality.

The SCF aims to provide targeted support to vulnerable individuals, households, and enterprises facing the greatest challenges during this transition by addressing the socia
l repercussions of the EU’s revised Emission Trading System (ETS). Given that the Fund is meant to achieve a social impact targeting vulnerable groups, the MSA recommends the adoption of an impact assessment rooted in the sociological tradition – a Social Impact Assessment (SIA). While the approach (based on the SMM model) outlined in Section 6 of the consultation document regarding impact assessment may offer useful economic insights, it assesses impact in strictly aggregated and macroeconomic terms. As such, it risks overlooking the complex social realities that shape how different groups experience climate-related measures, particularly those defined as vulnerable, which are the target group of this Fund.

We therefore strongly recommend the integration of a SIA alongside economic modelling. An SIA would allow for a deeper understanding of how the proposed measures affect people’s lives, particularly those vulnerable. It would also offer a framework to anticipate unintended consequences, enhance participatory planning, and improve the targeting and equity of social investments.

According to the International Association for Impact Assessment, SIA refers to “the processes of analysing, monitoring and managing the intended and unintended social consequences, both positive and negative, of planned interventions (policies, programs, plans, projects) and any social change processes invoked by those interventions”. An SIA is an interdisciplinary process, and follows established social-scientific methods, both quantitative and qualitative. Social impact assessments should not be one-off exercises, but ongoing processes which engage with various stakeholders and report back so as to ensure effective policy processes.

A just transition requires attention to heterogeneous social impact, lived experience, social cohesion, and structural inequality. We urge the inclusion of social impact monitoring throughout the implementation period to ensure inclusivity.

MSA's Feedback on the Renewal of the current IPPC permit of Malta North Waste Management Facility

The Malta Sociological Association notes the application for a renewal of the IPPC Permit for Malta North Waste Treatment Facility, IP 00011/24, submitted by WasteServ Malta Ltd. The MSA reiterates that permit renewals and variations should be informed by and form part of a Social Impact Assessment (SIA). An SIA would provide insight into how local communities perceive and are affected by the site (and changes to it), and could help identify mitigation measures that build public trust and reduce social tension. Such assessments are especially important in areas where residents have hosted waste infrastructure for many years and where cumulative impacts may shape public attitudes. Clear communication and meaningful engagement with local stakeholders are also essential to ensure transparency and accountability. We believe that integrating social dimensions into planning and permitting processes is not only good practice but a necessary step towards socially responsible environmental governance.

The International Association for Impact Assessment defines SIA as being “the processes of analysing, monitoring and managing the intended and unintend
ed social consequences, both positive and negative, of planned interventions (policies, programs, plans, projects) and any social change processes invoked by those interventions”. An SIA is an interdisciplinary process, and follows established social-scientific methods, both quantitative and qualitative.
Social impact assessments should not be one-off exercises, but ongoing processes which engage with various stakeholders and report back so as to ensure effective policy processes.

MSA at the Heart of Europe - Sociology in Action

The Malta Sociological Association was represented by Bridget Borg during a recent visit to the European Commission in Brussels, as part of the MCESD Civil Society Committee delegation.

 

This eye-opening experience, made possible by the European Commission Representation in Malta, offered a unique opportunity to:

🔹 Explore how the European Commission and other EU institutions function behind the scenes

🔹 Engage with decision-makers and policy experts

🔹 Highlight the value of sociological insight in public dialogue and governance

 

We’re grateful to all those who welcomed us, shared their knowledge, and took the time to answer our questions. These conversations reaffirm the importance of civil society voices and social research in shaping policies that put people and communities first.

At MSA, we remain committed to bringing sociological perspectives to both national and European tables, because real change starts with understanding.

 

The MSA has presented its views as part of the Public Consultation on Assisted Voluntary Euthanasia.

The Malta Sociological Association (MSA) submitted its contribution to the Public Consultation on Assisted Voluntary Euthanasia:

Sociological research has long shown that end-of-life decisions are not made in a social vacuum, but are shaped by family relationships, religious beliefs, access to care, and trust in institutions. In this light, the MSA recommends incorporating a sociological lens to better understand how such policies impact not only individuals and families but also institutions, professional practices, and broader cultural values surrounding life, care, and death. This perspective also enables the examination of how inequalities in these areas may influence people’s choices and experiences, and raises important questions about how to ensure that decisions of this nature are truly voluntary and informed.

To this end, we urge that a structured Social Impact Assessment (SIA) be integrated into this policy process. An SIA can help identify how different social groups may be affected, ensure that safeguards are responsive to real-life contexts, and offer ongoing insight into how such legislation is experienced across society. Public debate must remain grounded in evidence, and informed by an understanding that moral decisions are shaped by social and cultural
conditions.

According to the International Association for Impact Assessment, SIA refers to “the processes of analysing, monitoring and managing the intended and unintended social consequences, both positive and negative, of planned interventions (policies, programs, plans, projects) and any social change processes invoked by those interventions”. An SIA is an interdisciplinary process and follows established social-scientific methods, both quantitative and qualitative. Social impact assessments should not be one-off exercises, but ongoing processes which engage with various stakeholders, including sociologists, ethicists,
healthcare professionals, and affected communities, and which report back to ensure effective policy processes.

                                  

Call For Speakers: Visibility of the Invisible International Webinar - "Exploring Hidden Struggles in Mental Health"

The Malta Sociological Association is pleased to announce the 7th edition of its international webinar series “Visibility of the Invisible”, which will take place online on December 1st, 2025. The working language of the webinar will be English. 

This edition, titled “Exploring Hidden Struggles in Mental Health,” aims to highlight the less visible aspects of mental health challenges and social stigma. We invite 2 to 4 international speakers to share their knowledge, research, or personal perspectives on this important topic. We welcome proposals from sociologists, mental health professionals, researchers, educators, activists, and individuals with lived experience.

To apply, please send a short bio (up to 150 words) and a brief abstract of your proposed talk (up to 250 words) to maltasociologicalassociation@gmail.com by not later than 15 June 2025. Join us in making the invisible visible.

Launch of the MSA Sociology Club – Join us for our first event!

The Malta Sociological Association (MSA) is pleased to announce the launch of the MSA Sociology Club. This is a new initiative aimed at creating a space for individuals interested in sociology to meet, engage in discussion and build connections. Our inaugural event will be a Wine and Pizza Night held at ir-Razzett tal-Qasam in Manikata on Thursday, 3rd July at 7:00 PM.

This picturesque rural venue is managed by Koperattiva Rurali Manikata, a farmers' cooperative that emerged in response to a proposed golf course development that would have displaced agricultural land. The cooperative's story is one of community resistance and sustainability which are values closely aligned with sociological inquiry. During the evening, guests will have the opportunity to hear directly from members of the cooperative about their experiences, while enjoying wine and pizza in a relaxed and scenic setting.

 We warmly invite you to attend this first meeting of the Sociology Club, an opportunity to engage in dialogue, learn from real-world social action, and connect with others who share similar interests. The event is against a donation of 5 Euro. Registration for the MSA Sociology Club is via form (click here) until the 26th June.

Malta Sociological Association Newsletter - May 2025