Malta's PM Abela Returns to EU-Startups Summit 2026

Jan de Vries · 2026-04-21

Dr. Robert Abela, the Prime Minister of Malta, is heading back to the EU-Startups Summit 2026. This year’s event takes place on May 7-8 in sunny Malta. It’s a big deal for founders, investors, and startup leaders from all over Europe. ### Who Is Dr. Robert Abela? Dr. Abela has been Malta’s Prime Minister since January 2020. Before politics, he worked as a lawyer and legal consultant. That background gives him a unique perspective on regulation and business. Since taking office, he’s focused on economic development, innovation, and making Malta more competitive on the world stage. You might have heard about Malta Vision 2050. That’s his long-term plan for the country. It’s not just a document—it’s a real strategy for growth and development over the next few decades. And it’s already driving changes on the ground.  ### What’s New for Young Entrepreneurs? In March 2026, Dr. Abela announced something called Intrapriża16. This is a new legal framework that lets people aged 16 and older open a company. The idea is to remove legal barriers for young entrepreneurs. It’s a regulated system, so it’s not a free-for-all. But it gives teenagers a real shot at starting a business. This fits right into the Malta Vision 2050 plan. The government wants to support the next generation of innovators. And they’re backing it up with actual policy changes. ### What to Expect at the Summit Dr. Abela will deliver a welcome note at the summit. He’ll share Malta’s vision for the future. The event brings together some of the brightest minds in the European startup scene. You’ll find founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders all in one place. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect: - Two full days of learning and networking - Keynotes from top industry figures - Opportunities to connect with potential partners - Insights into the latest trends in startups and innovation ### Meet the Sponsors Several key sponsors are making this event happen. They’re all playing a big role in supporting startups and economic growth. #### Malta Enterprise This is Malta’s economic development agency. They help local and foreign businesses set up shop in Malta. They offer support services, incentives, and a clear path for companies looking to grow. If you’re thinking about expanding to Malta, they’re the people to talk to. #### M. Demajo Group With 115 years of history, M. Demajo Group is a major player in Malta. They have a workforce of 500 people and cover a wide range of business sectors. They’ve grown through organic expansion, acquisitions, partnerships, and even startups. Their reputation for ethical standards and strong financials makes them a trusted partner. #### IONOS Cloud Start-up Program This program gives young companies up to $108,000 in cloud credits (that’s roughly €100,000) for up to five years after founding. The infrastructure is “Made in Germany,” which means it’s fully GDPR compliant. No vendor lock-in, so you have technological freedom. After the first year, you get exclusive discounts to transition into the IONOS Cloud ISV Partner Program. ### Why You Shouldn’t Miss This The EU-Startups Summit 2026 is more than just a conference. It’s a chance to learn, network, and get inspired. You’ll hear from leaders who are shaping the future of the European startup ecosystem. And you’ll do it all in Malta, a country that’s actively building a startup-friendly environment. So grab your ticket while you can. It’s going to be two days you won’t forget.