THE ECONOMIC UPDATE Malta and Germany

The Union Haddiema Maghqudin (UHM) is calling for a wage increase, while the Nationalist government is in favour of retaining a wage freeze and imposing thresholds. The call comes after the government issued public service figures showing millions in arrears after a collective agreement signed after the 1998 election.

The US economy, generally considered at once the barometer and catalyst for the global economy, appears set to dip into recession once again with the publishing of the index of leading economic indicators, which fell 0.4 per cent in July after a 0.2 per cent decline in June.

INTERVIEW Let there be light Starting a business at 25 years of age when you don’t come from a business environment is no mean feat, but starting a business on the verge of getting married is a tougher challenge still. Silvio Scerri, owner of Nexos Lighting Co Ltd speaks to RAY ABDILLA about how he built a successful business from the ground up – lighting up Malta’s stages, theatres, clubs, and concerts along the way

OPINION Sustainable development - tracing the evolution of a concept under international law The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) kicks off on 26 August, the expectations are many but scepticism is equally high as many fear it would be another talking shop for the international community where few if any other commitments are made. In reality however, the WSSD will surely serve to influence the legal interpretation of sovereignty over of natural resources and the concept of sustainable development. Dr Simone Borg looks closer at the issues at hand.