Brussels zooming in on EU funds allocated for Minister Anton Refalo’s hotel

The European Commission is expected to conclude its investigation into how Minister Anton Refalo’s family was allocated some €270,000 in EU funds to turn a once illegal ODZ building on the outskirts of Qala into a so-called “yoga boutique hotel”.

The Shift has learned that the probe, conducted by the Directorate General for Regional and Urban Policy, a body responsible for the implementation of EU regional and urban policy, has made significant progress.

The investigation was launched following an investigative story by The Shift in 2023, which revealed how a company owned by Minister Refalo’s wife, Michelina, was awarded a substantial amount of EU funds from Malta’s allocation to establish a private boutique hotel.

This discovery raises concerns about the fairness of the allocation process, given the direct involvement of Minister Refalo’s family in the project.

Minister Anton Refalo’s 80% EU-funded ‘yoga-meditation’ hotel outside Qala, Gozo, is listed in his declaration of assets.

Brussels started its investigation after receiving several official complaints on possible abuse of EU funds, both by private individuals and the ADPD.

According to the original description of the project, the minister’s 16-bed hotel, with views of Daħlet Qorrot Bay, was to offer a unique experience, including lessons and experiences in yoga and meditation.

Contrary to the original vision, The Shift has learned that the hotel, managed by Andre Refalo, the minister’s son, is just another hotel among the many built in Gozo in recent years.

According to hotel booking websites, the minister’s hotel, l-Eremita, is currently attracting clients ready to pay some €300 a night, promising them a luxury service.

Officially, the hotel is owned by L-Eremita Company Ltd, with the minister’s wife being the sole director.

The European Regional Development Funds (ERDF) were allocated to the minister’s family in 2020 by national authorities who manage the funds on behalf of the EU.

The Refalos: Lina, Anton, Simona and Andre. Source: Facebook

Refalo and his wife acquired the sprawling 2,000-square-metre property in the early 1990s when it consisted of just a small agricultural building on the outskirts of Qala.

Over the years, the building was expanded in a piecemeal fashion, mainly through repeated illegal interventions, later sanctioned by the Planning Authority under both administrations.

The minister and his wife were able to secure the EU funds, which covered 80 % of their project, only after receiving approval from the Planning Authority. This approval effectively legitimised years of illegal construction, highlighting potential regulatory oversights in the process.

Although the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) had insisted that the ‘illegal’ building should not be given a permit, the Refalos got what they wanted.

                           

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Fred the Red
Fred the Red
2 months ago

And the PN stays mum instead of raising hell lest Bronka family is miffed.

KLAUS
KLAUS
2 months ago

It was high time to go after him.
By the way:

You can rely on our police:
They will never ever do anything against the big shots. Never. Ever.

Mick
Mick
2 months ago

This abuse is in the Heart and capitol of Mafialand, of course it’s all Mickey Mouse, but WHO is going to do anything about it? L’Aqwa zmien.

J.Degabriele
J.Degabriele
2 months ago

The PA has a lot to answer for for completely ruining Malta!

Joseph
Joseph
2 months ago

Why does no authority speak out in the face of such abuse.
Why were illegalities sanctioned and not pulled down?
We have seen a village illegally built with Zoo and all … all sanctioned piece by piece
Sanctioning is open to corruption and a bribary because there are no rules

Joseph Tabone Adami
Joseph Tabone Adami
2 months ago

Someone, apparently rightly enough, smelled a stinking rat in all these doings.

What will the investigations uncover and, perhaps more than that, who will pay should any criminal action be determined?

Last edited 2 months ago by Joseph Tabone Adami
Paul Bonello
Paul Bonello
2 months ago

I have an inkling that EU Public Prosecutor Kodruta Kovesi will make a show of this case and press charges. Imma taf ghaliex hux? Ghax din Nazzjonalista.

Edmund Darmanin
Edmund Darmanin
2 months ago
Reply to  Paul Bonello

Mhux għax Nazzjonalista imma ghax korrott Refalo

Paul Abdilla
Paul Abdilla
2 months ago
Reply to  Paul Bonello

Spot on

Raymond Zammit
Raymond Zammit
2 months ago

One word MAFIA

Joseph
Joseph
2 months ago

No wonder the Labour Party’s only interest during our run-up debate before applying for membership in the EU was how much funds were available to Malta. Our socialist government has totally ignored EU’s fundamental principles of social integration between its member states, peace and prosperity.

Steve
Steve
2 months ago

Wicc il-yoga ghandhom

Toni Borg
Toni Borg
2 months ago

that statute of a donkey perfectly represents the Maltese people who continue to vote these PIGS into government!!!

Etienne Psaila
Etienne Psaila
2 months ago

If anyone thinks that someone is going to move a single hair to remove illegalities or take action against any MP or politically exposed person or anyone from any establishment of both parties now or in the future, I tell you don’t hold your breath. Forget it, neither locally nor the EU will lift a finger. They have everyone in their books. If it was myself, would have been arrested and in prison by now

Anne R. key
Anne R. key
2 months ago

U ejja miskin! It’s good to be the kink!

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