Does anyone know if a Blue Badge (Disabled Driver) issued in the UK is valid in Malta now they have joined the EC?

In the past we have visted Malta with friends who have a blue badge. The first time they visited (five or six years ago) we were told we would have to visit some office in Floriana (I think) which we did not bother doing because we were only there for a week and the only problem we had parking was in Valetta. When we are on our own we would park up in Sliema and get the ferry over to Valetta but there is no way our friend could tackle that hill, hence the need to take the car.