Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1513813
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 31 DECEMBER 2023 9 COMMERCIAL maltatoday | SUNDAY • 31 DECEMBER 2023 THIS IS A PAID COLLABORATION Making EU funds closer to citizens Dr Bonett DECEMBER is synonymous with re- f lections of the outgoing year and pro- posals for the upcoming one. It is a time for taking stock of the achievements accomplished and to plan ahead. We started 2023, with a bang, i.e. the launching of the Part- nership Agreement and 3 Operation- al Programmes outlining over €1.3 billion worth of investment. But what does this mean in a tangible manner, for our citizens and our businesses? The launch of Malta's Operational Programmes marked the start of a very exciting journey leading to the launch of various calls and the implementa- tion of projects aimed at supporting economic growth and job creation for now and the years to come. We did not want to merely continue with business as usual, but we want- ed to hear what are the challenges associated with benefitting from EU Funds. This is why during the past twelve months we continued working towards making EU funding closer to the people. A year of listening to dif- ficulties and suggestions, not only in- ternally within the relevant authorities but also with various organisations, local councils, businesses, people and other stakeholders who directly or in- directly interact with EU Funds. These discussions were undertaken with one objective, i.e. to improve access to EU Funding, as well as to provide a more level playing field for all EU funding beneficiaries. Our discussions with relevant stake- holders highlighted that the very first challenge encountered is which EU Fund is the most appropriate. Navigat- ing the EU funding maze can be daunt- ing especially for small organisations or SMEs. It is within this context, that Government has committed itself to make EU Funds closer to the people and we have addressed this challenge by specifically mandating Servizzi Ew- ropej f'Malta or as we colloquially call it SEM to address this challenge. Any- one interested in exploring EU funding may get in touch with SEM whereby the necessary guidance and assistance will be provided to develop an idea into a project which can be considered un- der a specific EU funding programme. The support provided by SEM does not stop at application stage. In fact, SEM provides assistance also during the im- plementation phase of the project. The idea is that SEM is the first port of call in relation to any EU funding queries and is the entity which hand holds people and organisations during this EU funding journey. Apart from the provision of a one-to-one service, SEM also provides a series of information as well as training sessions aimed to further equip prospective beneficiaries with the necessary skills and expertise in the area. Improving access to EU funds also warrants an aggressive stance towards reducing administrative burden. In this regard, during this year we have focused our efforts on adopting sim- plification by design. Simplifying pro- cesses in relation to EU Funding whilst adhering to the stringent regulatory frameworks is a very delicate yet chal- lenging balance which needs to be reached. During the course of this year, we already managed to make some in- roads particularly when it comes to the application process in relation to the ERDF SME Business Enhance Schemes. However, more remains to be done. It is within this context, that we will continue investing in this iterative process which ensures that we commit to simplification by design throughout the project life cycle. Looking ahead in 2024, our focus will remain making EU funds closer to our citizens and organisations. We will provide the necessary guidance for people and organisations to invest. We will continue to listen to the chal- lenges faced in tapping these funds and we will focus our efforts to simplify as much as possible to ensure that these funds are truly accessible.