Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544245
MALTA'S participation in the European Union's Erasmus+ programme continues to ex- pand beyond schools, with the Vocational Education and Training (VET) and adult edu- cation sectors emerging as im- portant engines for skills devel- opment, inclusion and lifelong learning. According to the EU Programmes Agency (EUPA), 2025 marked a particularly sig- nificant year, reflecting both rising participation and a deep- er alignment with Europe's evolving economic and social priorities. Within adult education, the programme has widened ac- cess to international learning opportunities for individuals who might otherwise remain excluded. Adults facing social, educational or economic bar- riers increasingly participated in mobility activities, suggest- ing that targeted outreach and support measures are beginning to reach those most in need of new opportunities. The rise in first-time applicants further il- lustrates a growing recognition that Erasmus+ is not limited to traditional academic pathways, but can serve as a practical tool for those seeking to re-enter employment, develop new pro- fessional skills or pursue per- sonal growth later in life. Partnership projects within the adult education field have also grown in ambition. Many initiatives now focus on themes that resonate strongly across Europe's labour markets, in- cluding digital readiness, social inclusion, employability and wellbeing. Intergenerational learning projects are becoming more common, helping com- munities address demographic change while strengthening so- cial cohesion. At the same time, Erasmus+ continues to play an important role in Malta's VET ecosystem. Mobility placements and coop- erative initiatives provide learn- ers and educators with practical experience that complements classroom learning. Partici- pants are increasingly exposed to workplace environments across Europe, gaining insights into modern industry practices and emerging technologies. A number of key competences have featured prominently in recent projects. These include digital literacy and confidence in using new technologies, en- vironmental and sustainability skills linked to the green transi- tion, as well as entrepreneurship and innovation. Language skills and intercultural awareness al- so remain central components, enabling participants to operate effectively in an increasingly interconnected labour market. Equally important are softer skills such as communication, adaptability and problem-solv- ing—qualities that employers increasingly value in a rapidly evolving economy. These developments align closely with the European Commission's broader ambi- tion to strengthen Europe's hu- man capital through initiatives such as the Union of Skills. By encouraging mobility, coopera- tion and experiential learning, Erasmus+ offers participants opportunities that traditional education structures alone of- ten struggle to provide. For Malta, the continued growth of Erasmus+ within adult education and VET sig- nals a deeper commitment to lifelong learning. As the coun- try adapts to technological change and shifting labour mar- ket demands, programmes that support reskilling and upskill- ing across all stages of life are likely to become increasingly important. FOUR years into this legislature and a look back reveals a series of decisions that point to a shift in priorities in the environment and energy sectors. The emphasis has increasingly moved towards how land is used, how resources are managed, how infrastructure is prepared for fu- ture needs. A notable shift has occurred in the creation of open spaces. The Environment Ministry alone completed 70 green projects. These are projects that reflect an understanding that environmen- tal quality is tied to how spaces are maintained and integrated into everyday life. Even more significant is the shift in how certain sites are being re- considered. Areas earmarked for development are now being com- pletely re-evaluated. The plans for White Rocks, Manoel Island and Fort Campbell reflect govern- ment's choice to reconsider the decisions of the past and prioritise public access and the environ- ment. Spaces such as Bengħajsa in Birżebbuġa, Wied Inċita in Attard, and a number of gardens, valleys, and squares across different local- ities have been transformed into accessible green areas. Their scale may vary when viewed individual- ly, yet their cumulative effect is far more meaningful for the people who visit them and live in their proximity. Our attention is also turning towards more complex, for- ward-looking initiatives. We are not intimidated by the scale or difficulty of projects such as the Grand Harbour Revival Plan. The intention is to introduce elements that support public access and create varied opportunities. Advancements within the water sector exemplify an interconnect- ed facet of environmental policy. The Water Services Corporation is implementing a strategy that includes significant financial com- mitments to service infrastruc- ture. The work by the corporation has already resulted in improved water quality and increased op- erational efficiency. It further integrated sustainability meas- ures, particularly through green financing and renewable energy installations at operational sites. The New Water Initiative, which converts treated wastewater into a resource for agriculture, reflects a circular approach to resource management. The waste sector is another area where we have seen significant re- sults. A reduction of around 30% in black bag waste suggests a shift in behaviour towards greater sep- aration and recycling. Sites previ- ously associated with waste man- agement are now being turned into open spaces. The current work to transform the Sant'Ant- nin facility in Marsaskala into a public park is one example of how environmental remediation and community use can intersect. These changes are supported by a broader system that includes improved waste collection, ex- panded civic amenity sites, and the introduction of reuse centres. Over the past years, energy pol- icy has faced a number of outside pressures including a pandemic and geopolitical instability. But the decision to keep energy prices stable in our country is a promise we made to the people and that we continue to deliver on. We are focused on strengthen- ing distribution and diversifying our energy sources. We're cur- rently implementing a nine-year plan to improve the electricity distribution network. Additional interconnection capacity between Malta and Gozo is being devel- oped, alongside a second inter- connector with Sicily. Meanwhile, the ascent of renew- able energy continues. The share of energy generated from renew- able sources has increased signif- icantly, and projections indicate further growth by the year 2030. Implementation of solar panels and battery storage is accelerat- ing this shift. The offshore wind project, now at pre-qualification stage, shows forward planning to shift the future energy mix beyond incremental system improve- ments. These developments, when con- sidered together, indicate a gov- ernance model that prioritises coordinated actions that together, deliver a positive transformation. Four years on, the most relevant question is whether the overall di- rection is consistent and sustain- able. On balance, there is evidence of a shift in how resources and spac- es are approached. This shift will endure over time due to our com- mitment to policy continuity and stability. 8 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 5 APRIL 2026 OPINION Miriam Dalli Minister for Energy, Environment and Grand Harbour Regeneration Four years on: A shift in environment and energy policy Raphael Scerri National Coordinator EUPA Erasmus+ strengthens skills and inclusion in VET and adult education As the country adapts to technological change and shifting labour market demands, programmes that support reskilling and upskilling across all stages of life are likely to become increasingly important On balance, there is evidence of a shift in how resources and spaces are approached. This shift will endure over time due to our commitment to policy continuity and stability