PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR EUROPEAN FUNDS AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ELECTORAL PROGRAMME Four local councils to benefit from EU funds to implement town-twinning projects

During a conference held in Safi, the Minister for European Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, together with the Chief Executive Officer of Servizzi Ewropej f'Malta, Rodrick Zerafa, presented four town-twinning projects that will be implemented by the Local Councils of Birgu, Safi, Marsascala, and Sannat.

With the support of Servizzi Ewropej f'Malta, these four local councils successfully applied for funding under the European Union's direct funding programme Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV). With this funding, which amounts to around €70,000, the local councils will implement town-twinning projects with various European towns and villages.

During the conference, it was emphasised that town-twinning initiatives are an important tool for fostering unity in Europe, as they bring together people from different towns and villages to promote culture, economic development and mutual understanding. It was also explained that these projects will create space for the direct involvement of citizens, the exchange of experiences, and discussion on common challenges at both the local and European levels.

Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi stated that “through European Funds we are further investing directly and sustainably in our communities by strengthening the capacity of Local Councils and providing them with the resources needed to implement valuable initiatives. This investment will not only contribute to more effective governance at the local level but also open up opportunities for European collaboration that bring real benefits to citizens. At the same time, we encourage councils and other entities to continue making use of these opportunities and to actively explore the funds available."

Rodrick Zerafa, Chief Executive Officer of Servizzi Ewropej f'Malta, explained that “these four projects clearly demonstrate the strong potential of town-twinning between European towns and cities, which not only strengthens culture and heritage, but also addresses real and current challenges. Servizzi Ewropej f'Malta will continue to encourage local councils, organisations and other entities to make use of the opportunities offered by European funds, while standing by them throughout the entire process so that more Maltese and Gozitan communities can build strong and lasting ties with other European partners."

Also present for the conference were the Mayor of Safi, Johann Mula; the Mayor of Marsaskala, Mario Calleja; the Mayor of Birgu, John Boxall; and the Executive Secretary of Sannat, Jeannette Grima.

The Safi project will connect Safi with Mythilini, Greece, and focus on agriculture. The project aims to strengthen solidarity and cooperation between the two communities, while creating opportunities for farmers, producers and citizens to share experiences, explore sustainable practices and learn more about European policies affecting the agricultural sector.

The Birgu project, entitled Harbour, Hill, Highland: Building Bridges between Birgu, Amaseno and Pukë, will strengthen connections among the three towns in Malta, Italy, and Albania through intercultural dialogue, active citizenship, and greater awareness of European values.

Meanwhile, Marsaskala's project, entitled Tackling Domestic Violence in the Local Community, will bring together communities from 25 Member States, including Malta, within the framework of Douzelage, one of the largest town-twinning associations in Europe. This project builds on the town-twinning activity organised by the Marsaskala Local Council in 2019. Over the course of three days, activities, debates, workshops, discussions, and meetings with experts will be held on domestic violence.

Sannat's project will bring together youths from Sannat and Montefiascone, Italy, to address youth engagement in civic and European life.