EU funds and projects contributing to Malta’s economic sustainability - Minister

Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Aaron Farrugia said that EU Funds and EU Funded projects are contributing to the economic and financial sustainability of Malta’s fastgrowing economy.

“Whether it’s through the €30 million we are investing in SME’s, the €20 million we are investing in research and development, the Kappara and Marsa Junction, financial instruments in loans and guarantees or the ESF Funds for the reskilling and upskilling of our workforce… they all contribute to Malta’s economic growth,” Farrugia said.

Farrugia noted that four projects were approved under Interreg Europe’s third call for project proposals, and one project under the 2nd call for project proposals of the same programme. Farrugia stated that the number of projects selected under the Interreg Europe Programme so far amounts to 14, with an ERDF monetary value of nearly €2 million.

The WIN-POL project will be implemented by the Environment and Resources Authority, will improve policies for waste management mainly by promoting the use of intelligent equipment and systems for waste disposal. Through the ThreeT project the Planning Authority will seek to protect and enhance natural and cultural heritage sites by setting up thematic trails or improving existing ones by making them accessible through green modes of transport.

The Energy and Water Agency in the AQUARES project will focus on utilising the public sector’s role in regulating the water market and promoting wastewater treatment. Lastly, the ENERSELVES project of MIEMA will be working on the promotion of new policies, or improvement of existing policies, to support the integration of RES in buildings for self-consumption.

Farrugia noted that the benefit of participating in Interreg projects is that Maltese entities can learn from their European counterparts, and become aware of best practices which are then implemented locally. “Such projects are also excellent platforms for building relationships with our foreign colleagues, whilst learning in the process and passing on some of our ideas and experiences too. The outcome of these projects or their pilot-actions, feed in national policy papers or even serve as an important baseline for larger projects financed through other EU sources or national funds,” said Farrugia.

Farrugia concluded by saying that the Managing Authority is also launching the 4th call for project proposals under this programme. He also encouraged all stakeholders to participate in this call, which offers an opportunity for exchanging experiences and transferring knowledge on public policies.