Malta this week hosted leading experts and policymakers from across the European Union for the EU Screeners’ Academy, a high-level gathering dedicated to strengthening cooperation and expertise in the screening of foreign direct investment (FDI). The hybrid event took place between the 2nd and 4th March 2026 at The Malta Business Registry, bringing together representatives from the European Commission and EU Member States.

The Academy forms part of an ongoing effort to reinforce the EU’s economic security architecture and deepen collaboration among national authorities responsible for investment screening.

A key moment for Europe’s investment security framework

The gathering comes at an important time for the European Union as Member States prepare for the next phase of the EU’s foreign investment screening framework. The upcoming regulation will require national authorities to review and adapt their legislative and operational systems to align with the strengthened EU approach to protecting strategic sectors and critical infrastructure.

This will involve updating procedures, strengthening institutional capacity, and enhancing cooperation between Member States to ensure investment assessments are carried out effectively within the new regulatory framework.

Strengthening cooperation between member states

The EU Screeners’ Academy provides a platform for dialogue and practical exchange among officials responsible for implementing foreign investment screening regimes. Participants included representatives from national screening authorities, the European Commission, and experts in economic security policy.

The event focused on sharing operational experience, strengthening cooperation between Member States, and improving the tools used to assess foreign investments within the EU’s broader economic security framework.

Malta’s role in advancing the EU’s economic security agenda

Hosting the EU Screeners’ Academy highlights Malta’s growing role in European cooperation on economic security. The event was opened by Dr Geraldine Spiteri Lucas, Chair of Malta’s National FDI Screening Office and CEO/Registrar of the Malta Business Registry, with a message delivered by the Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects, Silvio Schembri.

Through its National FDI Screening Office, Malta continues to contribute to the EU’s investment screening network, supporting cooperation and information exchange between Member States and the European Commission while safeguarding strategic sectors and maintaining an open investment environment.

Looking ahead

As Europe prepares for the implementation of the updated foreign investment screening framework, cooperation between Member States will be essential. The work undertaken by national screening authorities in the coming years will play a critical role in ensuring that the EU remains both open to investment and resilient in protecting its strategic interests.

With participation from across the EU, the gathering in Malta marked another step in reinforcing the Union’s coordinated approach to investment screening and economic security.