Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544097
3 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 29 MARCH 2026 NEWS PRE-ANNOUNCEMENT OF CALL 27 FOR PROJECT PROPOSALS UNDER ASYLUM, MIGRATION AND INTEGRATION FUND (AMIF) 2021-2027 The Ministry responsible for European Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme would like to pre-announce the following call under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF): Specific Objective 2: Strengthening and developing legal migration to the Member States in accordance with their economic and social needs, promoting and contributing to the effective integration and social inclusion of third country nationals (TCNs). The envisaged call shall cover one of the following funding priorities: � strengthening multiculturalism and cultural mediation � addressing information gaps that inhibit local integration � reducing language barriers in schools to facilitate integration among children � provision of language learning to TCNs through digital means � promoting diversity in the educational sector to address current and future needs of society � cultivating ethnicity in the social and educational sectors � provision of support services to migrant families to facilitate access in the education system The call will be launched on 6 th April, 2026 and it will close on 5 th June, 2026 at noon. The application form, details of eligibility and indicator guideline notes will be made available with the launch of the call. Prospective applicants are encouraged to refer to the AMIF Programme available on https://fondi.eu/wp- content/uploads/2023/10/AMIF-Programme-v-2.0.pdf in order to check whether their proposals are eligible for funding through this call for project proposals. An information session will also be held on the contents of the application form and respective guidelines. For further information, the Managing Authority can be contacted by email on fondi.eu@gov.mt. Agriculture Ministry on alert for Iran war's impact on fertiliser prices THE agriculture ministry is closely monitoring internation- al developments amid concerns the Iran war could drive up fer- tiliser prices. Malta remains heavily depend- ent on imported artificial fertil- isers, making the sector particu- larly vulnerable to global market shifts, a ministry spokesperson said. "The sector is inherently influ- enced by international market developments but it is still too early to predict whether the sit- uation will lead to price increas- es," the spokesperson said. Qatar is a major exporter of artificial fertiliser but with Iran effectively blocking shipping movements in the Strait of Hor- muz, the risk of a global shortage has raised concern in agricultur- al circles. The ministry is following the evolving situation closely, in- cluding potential impacts on global energy and commodity markets. Fertiliser production is closely tied to energy prices, particularly natural gas, mean- ing geopolitical instability can quickly translate into higher costs. This concern is echoed interna- tionally. Global institutions have warned that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is already dis- rupting fertiliser supply chains, with key products such as urea and ammonia constrained and energy prices rising sharply. United Nations officials have also warned fertiliser shortages risk triggering wider food price shocks, with knock-on effects for global food security if supply disruptions persist. Malta imports the vast majori- ty of its fertilisers, leaving farm- ers exposed to external shocks beyond the government's direct control. Despite the uncertainty, the ministry said it is maintaining ongoing contact with stakehold- ers across the agricultural supply chain. This includes importers and suppliers, with discussions taking place through established engagement channels to assess market conditions and emerging trends. "The situation is being moni- tored closely, and engagement with stakeholders will continue as circumstances evolve," the spokesperson said. On whether the government would step in to cushion any price hikes, the ministry stopped short of making commitments but pointed to past interven- tions. Following the war in Ukraine, authorities introduced targeted support measures to mitigate the impact of rising in- put costs on farmers. "Government is fully aware of the pressures that volatility in input costs can place on farm- ers," the spokesperson said. Any future support measures would depend on how the situa- tion develops, available financial instruments, and coordination at the European level, the min- istry added. Malta is also raising the issue in European discussions, includ- ing at the AGRIFISH Council, where input costs and agricul- tural market conditions are reg- ularly addressed. Speaking to MaltaToday, Op- position agriculture spokes- person Toni Bezzina said the increase in fertiliser prices will have a "very negative effect" both on Maltese and Gozitan farmers and, ultimately, on consumers, who will have to pay more for fresh local produce. "For this reason, the Nationalist Party has for years insisted that our country's manure should be processed locally so that, while reducing the problem of manure storage on our farms—which is adversely affecting our villages— local farmers can also reduce their dependence on import- ed fertiliser. Moreover, we are missing the opportunity to make use of another source of renew- able energy, namely biomass," Bezzina said. KARL AZZOPARDI kazzopardi@mediatoday.com.mt "Government is fully aware of the pressures that volatility in input costs can place on farmers," the spokesperson said Malta remains heavily dependent on imported artificial fertilisers, making the sector vulnerable to global market shifts