AD urges Malta to tap European research and innovation funds

Alternattiva Demokratika chairperson Arnold Cassola called on government to "play its cards well" in order to obtain "a sizeable chunk of the €70 billion destined for research and innovation".

In the agreed EU Budget for 2014-2020, €70 billion have been earmarked for research and development for the next seven years.

Cassola, said that while Malta would not qualify for "a single euro" under the youth guarantee programme - Malta's youth unemployment rate is under 25% - it could benefit well from the European Research and Innovation funds.

"The Maltese Prime Minister should concentrate on such objective, since Malta University, MCAST and all Maltese Small and Medium Enterprises would strongly benefit from the huge potentiol that the fund offers," Cassola said.

AD spokesman on education Mario Mallia argued that development in all areas, be it social, economic, technological or otherwise, depends on research and innovation.

"To this end, a number of priorities need to be identified after due consultation with the social partners, educational institutions, civil society and more," Mallia said.

"These priorities would then be the backbone of Malta's submissions in tapping these funds."