Leading food delivery platforms Bolt Food and Wolt, in collaboration with the Malta Delivery Fleet Operators Association (MDFOA), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a unified approach aimed at raising standards, enhancing accountability, and promoting responsible working conditions for couriers in Malta’s platform economy.The MoU lays the groundwork for the introduction of a “Seal of Standards”, a joint initiative designed to support a sustainable, equitable, and law-abiding delivery industry. This agreement underscores a collective dedication to ethical practices, aiming to build trust among key stakeholders, including couriers, fleet operators, digital platforms, customers, and government entities.Under the agreement, MDFOA will oversee the rollout of the Seal of Standards, which will provide a structured tool to encourage legal compliance and responsible conduct among fleet operators. An independent third-party will be appointed by MDFOA to conduct audits of fleet operations and develop performance scorecards to assess adherence to the established standards. In parallel, MDFOA has initiated preliminary talks with the General Workers Union (GWU) to consider the creation of a collective bargaining agreement.For their part, digital platforms have committed to working exclusively with fleet partners that consistently meet regulatory requirements, as confirmed by independent audits. The platforms will also ensure couriers have access to independent whistleblower systems and support transparent data-sharing practices with MDFOA and the Maltese Government to reinforce industry accountability.Dimitris Karelos, Regional General Manager for Southeast Europe & Central Asia at Wolt stated:“At Wolt, we are dedicated to building a fair, transparent platform economy that values and supports our courier partners. This MoU is a meaningful move toward improving industry norms and embodies our commitment to a sector rooted in trust, accountability, and better working conditions. We are proud to join forces with MDFOA and other platforms to set a new standard for cooperation and responsibility.”Sam O’Byrne, General Manager of Bolt Food Malta, added:“At Bolt Food, we’re committed to fair, transparent, and legally sound operations that contribute to a robust and enduring delivery ecosystem in Malta. This collaborative initiative highlights our shared efforts with platforms, MDFOA, and the Government to uplift standards for the benefit of couriers, operators, platforms, and customers alike.”Iousef Meli, President of MDFOA, emphasised:“The delivery sector plays a crucial role in Malta’s economy, and it’s time it reflects higher standards. As an association, we are fully committed to collaborating with all relevant parties — from government bodies and unions to operators and workers — to establish fair conditions and responsible business practices. Our work with the GWU on a collective agreement, and with the Ministry for Home Affairs, Security, and Employment on regulatory updates, demonstrates our long-term vision for a more respected and sustainable sector.”This partnership represents a unified effort to foster transparency, modernise policy frameworks, and ensure that Malta’s food delivery industry remains competitive, compliant, and future-ready.•