PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR EUROPEAN FUNDS AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ELECTORAL PROGRAMME: €10.8 million in investments funded by grants from Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein

Memoranda of Understanding signed for the implementation of projects financed by the Norwegian and the European Economic Area Financial Mechanisms

At the Grand Master's Palace in Valletta, two Memoranda of Understanding were signed regarding the implementation of the Norwegian and European Economic Area Financial Mechanisms. These agreements outline how €10.8 million will be spent on projects funded by the respective Financial Mechanisms. Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein are financing these projects according to their obligations under the framework of their relationship with the European Union. Approximately €1.5 million will be allocated from local funds to complement the financing from the three other countries.

Present at the signing of the agreements was the Minister for European Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, who, in his speech, referred to Malta's achievements in receiving around €8 million from the same mechanisms for the period between 2014 and 2021. Through these funds, Malta invested in projects that improved quality of life, strengthened institutions, and modernized essential services. Among these projects were the first Sensory Integration Clinic for children with disabilities, the introduction of screening for specific conditions in newborns, and the safety verification of blood products.

There were initiatives that reached more than 2,000 children and teenagers, as well as support for around five hundred young men and women with services for independent living. Out of these youths, 170 continued their education, started working, or were trained within a year. Governance was strengthened through training for employees in 68 Local Councils and 282 employees in public administration.

In the cultural sector, through the recently concluded funding mechanism, around 7,000 artifacts at the Maritime Museum were digitized, while various small grants helped several communities execute projects related to quality of life, inclusion, and environmental sustainability. These projects, Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi stated, show the positive impact of these programs funded by Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

The Minister emphasized that today's occasion reminds us that results that are effective come from a joint effort. He noted that achievements occur through cooperation between ministries, public entities, stakeholders, and citizens. The Minister thanked everyone for their contribution and dedication.

When speaking about the new funding for the years 2021–2028, Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi said that Malta is once again committing to collaborate with these three countries to ensure that the acquired funds are used to reduce the disparity in social and economic areas between Malta and these countries and to strengthen cooperation with them.

In the projects under the new program, more than €2.2 million will be spent to strengthen civil protection capacity and its preparations for potential crises. Additionally, €2 million will be invested in sustainable restoration and renovation of cultural sites, while a budget of €1.5 million is planned to strengthen the capacity of personnel involved in the prevention and combating of domestic violence. An expenditure of €2.8 million will allocated to the development of specialized skills and support for persons with disabilities.

Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi expressed his appreciation for the work done to prepare these projects, particularly to Permanent Secretary Mr Jonathan Vassallo and the staff at the Funds and Programmes Division, and at the Strategy and Implementation Division of the Ministry. He also thanked representatives from the Norwegian Ministry for Foreign Affairs and representatives from the Financial Mechanism Office in Brussels.

The Director General at the Funds and Programmes Division of the Ministry for European Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Program, Mr Anthony Camilleri, and the Director General at the Department for European Affairs and the Trade Policy of Norway, Mr Frode Overland Andersen signed the Memoranda.

Present for the signing was the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry, Mr Jonathan Vassallo, several officials from the Ministry for European Funds, along with others from ministries and entities that are benefiting or will benefit from the Financial Mechanisms, as well as foreign representatives who came to Malta for this occasion.