Malta will benefit from €817 million in EU Cohesion Policy funding in 2021-2027 to support the sustainable development of its economy as set out in the Partnership Agreement just adopted by the Commission.
Background
In the context of Cohesion Policy and in cooperation with the Commission, each Member State prepares the Partnership Agreement, a strategic document for the investments of the Cohesion Policy Funds (ERDF, ESF+ and Solidarity Fund), JTF, and EMF in a multiannual financial period i.e., 2021-2027.
The Partnership Agreement focuses on the EU’s priorities and sets out the strategic and investment priorities set by each Member State. The Agreement provides a list of national and regional programmes tailored to the country’s regional investment needs, including annual financial allocations for each programme.
In addition, the Partnership Agreement demonstrates the strong commitment of the Member States to the coordinated use of the Cohesion funds with the Recovery and Resilience Facility funds and to the strengthening of the administrative capacity of the institutions involved in the management of the funds.
Cohesion Policy Funds 2021-2027
According to the European Commission, Malta will receive €817 million in cohesion policy funding to support the sustainable development of its economy in the period 2021-2027 under the adopted partnership Agreement.
Following Malta’s significant achievements during the previous programme, investments in Community policy will further contribute to reducing inequality in Malta and increasing the innovation and competitiveness of the Maltese economy. EU funding supports the country’s green transition, energy security and digital transformation. This allows people to improve their skills, get jobs and achieve social cohesion.
The adoption of the Partnership Agreement with Malta marks another important step in our common efforts to reduce disparities and promote more prosperous, inclusive and territorially cohesive societies in the EU. Cohesion Policy investments will stimulate the green and digital transition of Malta and contribute to reinforcing its energy security and promoting a vibrant and diversified economy through support for small and medium businesses and a more innovation-led economy.
– Elisa Ferreira, Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms
Green transition, energy security and competitiveness
€417 million from the European Regional and Development Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund will help SMEs become innovative, digital, and competitive and develop a smart, low-carbon economy.
A significant part of the funds will be invested in the country’s energy efficiency and energy storage capacity thanks to the development of a second electrical connection with Italy in the form of high-voltage submarine cables. This helps to strengthen energy supply and security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition, €23.3 million from the Just Transition Fund (JTF) will be invested in the electricity supply for the decarbonisation of the Grand Port and the Free Port of Malta.
The labour market, education, and healthcare
More than €124.4 million in the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), better jobs for young people and women. The fund also supports innovative pedagogy and resources, including education for vulnerable groups such as children with disabilities, and education for green and digital transformation. Malta also supports active inclusion, equal opportunities, and non-discrimination of marginalized groups such as the disabled. Food assistance is also provided for the disadvantaged. Malta also invests in health systems through health education, social work, and carers, running awareness campaigns on healthy lifestyles and wellbeing and investing in health research.
This Partnership Agreement will be key for Malta to reach its 2030 national social targets set in line with the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan. I welcome the strategic focus of the ESF+ investments, boosting quality education and training and addressing skills shortages. With the support of ESF+ funds, Malta will improve social inclusion and access to the labour market, especially for women, young people, and the most vulnerable.
Nicolas Schmit, Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights
Sustainable fishing
€21.8 million from the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) will support the growth of the sector by promoting the growth of a sustainable blue economy, improving the sustainability of the fisheries sector, restoring biological and aquatic resources, and developing sustainable aquaculture to promote a green transition.
This Partnership Agreement will create favourable conditions for the sustainable development of fisheries, aquaculture, maritime and coastal activities in Malta. Moreover, it will contribute to the green and digital transitions of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, enhancing protection of the marine environment and biodiversity and implementing viable solutions for decarbonisation while contributing to the ocean governance in the Central Mediterranean.
Virginijus Sinkevicius, Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries