Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1097443
28.03.19 16 EU FUNDS INVESTMENT with EU funds has been a key contributor to Malta's transformational change in recent years, and it is clear that this needs to be con- solidated and sustained during the next funding period, EU funds parliamentary secretary Aaron Farrugia told European Commission representatives. Last week the European Commission Representation in Malta hosted a presentation and discussion on Malta's 2019 Country Report and 2021-2027 Cohesion Policy Funding in Malta. e very positive pres- entation on Cohesion Policy in our country was introduced by the Deputy Secretary General of the European Commission Celine Gauer, and presented by EC directors Rudolf Niessler and Stefan Olsson. "It was very heartening to hear the European Commission praise our eff orts when it comes to the use of European Union funds – as cohesion funds in particular have contributed greatly towards the develop- ment of member states and regions particularly in boost- ing their economic growth and competitiveness," Farrugia said in reaction. Malta is, in fact, the perfect example of this: EU investments are being directed towards a number of key areas including environmental sustainability, social well-being and a healthy society, whilst fostering com- petitiveness through economic development and job creation. Just to mention a few exam- ples: Malta's new museum of art, MUZA is the fi rst of its kind developed in a historic building that is green-powered and gen- erates its energy from renewa- ble resources. e total investment for this project amounted to €8.7 mil- lion and represents an example of best practice in retro-fi tting a historic building. e new Oncology Centre an- nexed to Mater Dei Hospital for a total investment of just under €50 million, off ers advanced di- agnosis and treatment, and this project has tripled the number of beds available for cancer pa- tients and off ers numerous im- patient services. e regeneration of the low- er part of Valletta, for a total amount of €24 million, will con- tribute towards the urban re- generation of the area through a multi-faceted approach that will address social, economic, phys- ical and environmental needs and challenges of the area. Investment in Malta's main resource, human capital, is be- ing supported heavily by the European Social Fund, which has enabled the participation of over 30,000 employees from the private sector in learning pro- grammes through the 'Training Aid Framework' with the aim of enhancing their adaptability and increase their productivity. Similarly, through the 'Investing in Skills' scheme just over 5,400 employees have been trained so far. "Looking ahead towards the future and therefore the Com- mission's proposals for the 2021-2027 cohesion policy funding in Malta, we are as- sessing these proposals – also through initial reactions as part of this discussion. In this regard, we look forward to starting this discussion early with the Euro- pean Commission in order to ensure that Malta will contin- ue to improve in its trajectory of economic growth, increase in employment, environmental sustainability and social cohe- sion," Farrugia said. e parameters identifi ed in the country report on EU funding are broadly in line with Government's ambitions for co- hesion policy 2021-2027 – but not entirely. ere are a number of issues which require further analysis, and where Malta's intrinsic lim- itations in terms of small scale, capacity, geographical and so- cio-economic realities, amongst others, have not been suffi cient- ly addressed. Issues relating to the growth of enterprises, in particular small and micro enterprises; in- vestments supporting cultural heritage sites; enhancing nature protection and biodiversity, promoting sustainable multi- modal urban mobility, invest- ments in education and health as well as the development of Gozo will certainly require fur- ther discussion. In fact, Government has offi - cially requested the European Commission to report to the European Council on the eco- nomic and social situation in Gozo. But this is not the only time Malta's effi cient use of EU funds has been praised on EU-level: just a few days ago, European Commissioner Corina Cretu hailed Malta as a "benchmark" for many other countries when it comes to implementing EU-funded projects and initia- tives. "Malta should be praised for its effi cient use of European funds", the Commissioner said. " ree years after the start of the programming period, Malta has reached its fi nancial targets. is means that the money that was committed is being used to the fullest and in a timely man- ner." Cretu also remarked positive- ly on the fact that Malta has one of the highest project selection rates in the European Union. " ese projects have contribut- ed to improving the daily life of the people of Malta. Funds have been invested in education, re-skilling, sustainable trans- port, key infrastructure, but also in safeguarding borders and supporting businesses," e Commissioner said that all of these EU-funded projects have had an 'undeniable im- pact' on the country's economic growth and sustainable devel- opment. "Malta can take the credit for these achievements which are of good omen for preparing the next program- ming period." European Commission: Malta a model for use of EU funds "We look forward to starting this discussion early with the European Commission in order to ensure that Malta will continue to improve in its trajectory of economic growth, increase in employment, environmental sustainability and social cohesion" Parliamentary Secretary Aaron Farrugia (second from right) said that the government was assessing the European Commission's proposals for the 2021-2027 Cohesion Policy funding in Malta