Malta, with a population of 542,00 is the least populous Member State in the EU, followed by Luxembourg (661,000) and Cyprus (921,000). Malta’s economy is thriving as a result of its sunny climate in the middle of the Mediterranean region so a magnet for tourists. It has a stable political system, a legal system comprising of EU law and a unique blend of civil law, common law, and various historical influences, and a low tax regime attracting online businesses, security and blockchain consultants.

Independent since 1964, Malta retains many ties with the UK including the Information and Data Protection Commissioner’s (IDPC) with the UK’s ICO. The English language is widely used which helps the development of Malta’s data protection law to be broadly aligned with the UK and Ireland. Consequently, Malta’s IDPC Ian Deguara said that this is a golden moment for companies choosing Malta as a base.