Applications open for EU-funded projects

Parliamentary Secretary for the EU Presidency 2017 and EU Funds Ian Borg has announced that two projects which include Maltese partners have been approved for funding under the first call for proposals under the INTERREG EUROPE Programme.

One of the projects, called Destination SME’s, which will be implemented by the Ministry for Gozo, aims at improving public policies aimed at supporting of SMEs in the tourism sector, increasing their competitiveness through the creation of a management strategy. The Maltese partner's share in this project amounts to €180,900.

The second project, called ZEROCO2 is intended to be implemented by the Local Council Association. The €188,400 allocation for the Maltese partner is for the design of “state-of-the-art policies promoting near zero CO2 emission buildings.” The project aims to combine different technologies and energy efficiency sources, contributing towards EU energy efficiency targets.

Borg explained that the second call for project proposals under this programme is planned to open on the 5th of April and will remain open until the 13th of May 2016.

Applications are open to public authorities, bodies governed by public law and private non profit bodies operating in eligible areas. Public bodies and bodies governed by public law from all 28 European member states are eligible for a co-financing rate of 85%, whereas private non-profit bodies may receive 75% co-financing, outlined Dr Borg.

The second call for proposals also focuses on interregional cooperation projects i.e. ‘classic’ interregional cooperation projects which may be compared to those funded under the first call for project proposals. Applicants are invited to submit their project application under one of the specific objectives listed below:

a. Strengthening research, technological development and innovation;

b. Enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs;

c. Supporting the shift towards a low carbon economy in all sectors and

d. Protecting the environment and promoting resource efficiency.

Borg encouraged prospective applicants to go through the application pack and start the drafting process in connection with the preparatory work required for this call.