Malta should make most of EU funding opportunities - MEUSAC

Xuereb was speaking in the context of the economic crisis currently faced by the European Union member states, so that the EU is better able to weather on-coming challenges likely to be posed by Greeceand Ireland’s bailouts.

Speaking at the beginning of a consultation session intended to improve dialogue with Local Councils, social partners, and civil society so that the MEUSAC is better able to ensure that policies and programmes financed by the EU prove beneficial to Malta.

The session was also held to discuss the conclusions of five European Commission reports on European cohesion.

 The topics that the meeting touched upon included necessary coordination between the national reform programme and the EU’s Cohesion Policy, the need for less burdensome administrative procedures for the distribution of EU funds, and the shortcomings in resources that non-government organisations have when applying for funding.

The meeting also discussed the need for greater emphasis on the need for social projects, and investments that funding through EU funds should yield tangible results.

During the meeting, it was also emphasised that organisations, in planning projects, should keep in mind the government’s priorities for the country.

Planning & Priorities Coordination Department Director General Marlene Bonnici emphasised that all those who benefit from EU funds “should be held accountable to ensure that EU funds are used in the best way possible.”

She urged organisations in attendance to start planning projects that will take palace in 2014 as from now.

Xuereb concluded by reminding the public that one can contribute to the position government will be adopting simply by writing to the PPCD, while individuals as well as organisations and authorities can also directly take part in the consultation currently underway by the European Commission.