Conference on the Single Market Strategy – 24 November 2025 – Speech

Distinguished guests, dear colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to be with you today, and I thank the Malta Business Bureau and the Malta Chamber for convening this important discussion.

When we speak about the Single Market Strategy, we often focus on legislative reforms, regulatory adjustments and enforcement. Those are essential. But today I want to focus on something equally important, and often overlooked, which is the role of European funding in enabling the single market to function in practice. The truth is that no strategy, no regulation and no freedom on paper can deliver meaningful results unless Member States have the structural capacity to participate. This capacity relies on the sustained support from EU funding, complemented by the ongoing commitment and investments made at the national level.

“The single market has been transformative for our country. It has allowed Maltese enterprises to export, to specialise, to invest, and to also attract talent.”

For Malta, this is not a theoretical point. It is the daily reality of how our economy engages with the rest of Europe. The single market has been transformative for our country. It has allowed Maltese enterprises to export, to specialise, to invest, and to also attract talent. It has opened opportunities that would never have existed for a small island at the periphery of Europe.

But these opportunities did not materialise on their own. They required the modernisation of infrastructure, the strengthening of institutions, the digitalisation of public administration, the development of skills, and the environmental upgrades that allow us to operate within EU standards. Through Cohesion Policy and related EU programmes, Malta has been able to seize the opportunities presented by the rapidly evolving single market, building on the determination and initiatives driven at the national level.

The single market is one of the largest integrated economies in the world, but its strength relies on the participation of all its territories, including regions, small states and peripheral territories. Here lies the central point. The single market does not operate in a vacuum. It is built on a foundation of cohesion. It works only when every Member State, regardless of size or geography, can participate on fair terms. This is why Cohesion Policy is not a side instrument.

It is the economic spine of the single market. It ensures that divergence does not become permanent, that transition costs do not become barriers, and that the freedoms of the single market do not transform into privileges for some and burdens for others.

Over the past two decades, Cohesion funding has enabled Malta to overcome structural constraints that the single market by itself does not resolve, strengthening the impact of our national strategies.

Higher regulatory standards and new Union requirements often increase operating costs for businesses and public authorities, particularly in smaller economies with limited scale. Cohesion policy does not eliminate these costs, but it makes them manageable. It enables necessary investments in infrastructure, systems and capacity that would otherwise be unaffordable or would place Maltese operators at a competitive disadvantage.

In this way, cohesion funds help ensure that participation in the single market is viable and that Malta can meet common objectives without compromising competitiveness or overburdening sectors with narrow margins.

But the link goes far deeper. Think about digitalisation. Modern compliance frameworks, cross-border services, e-commerce, cybersecurity standards and interoperability requirements all create new demands on Member States. Large countries have institutional depth and resources to absorb this complexity. Small ones must work twice as hard. EU investment in digital public administration and emerging technologies has been essential for Malta to maintain alignment with evolving EU standards.

Without these investments, our businesses would face a double challenge: complying with EU rules and compensating for domestic structural limitations. Cohesion funding removes this imbalance.

Regulatory change in the Union often reshapes how companies operate, from production processes and supply chains to compliance systems and investment decisions. For small businesses in Malta, these adjustments carry real costs, and for an island economy the structural constraints are even more pronounced. Cohesion funding helps absorb these pressures.

It supports the upgrades, capacity building and systems modernisation that firms and public authorities cannot finance at scale on their own. This prevents smaller economies from falling behind when common Union rules become more demanding, and it ensures that Maltese enterprises can remain competitive in a single market where the cost of compliance continues to rise.

Last Friday, I attended a Conference in Bucharest organised by my Romanian counterpart. I stressed this point in the presence of Commissioner Fitto and Commissioner Minzatu stressing the need to ensure that Cohesion Funds continue to offer the necessary financial support to address the challenges that are inherent to being an island.

“Cohesion Policy must help create the right environment so that competitive EU-wide funds become accessible rather than out of reach.”

This brings me to a broader reflection. As Europe prepares the next Multiannual Financial Framework, the debate is no longer only about numbers. It is about direction. The Union is shifting towards more competitive, EU-wide programmes. The new Competitiveness Fund is one example. Instruments like InvestEU and Horizon Europe are essential for Europe’s technological leadership.

But they favour Member States with strong research ecosystems, large industrial sectors and deep administrative capacity. If this trend becomes the dominant model, there is a risk that smaller Member States slowly lose ground.

This is why the future of Cohesion Policy is so important. Cohesion Policy is the counterweight that ensures the Union remains integrated and not fragmented. If Europe wants a single market that is competitive globally, then it needs a strong foundation of investment that keeps all Member States aligned and capable. Excellence and competitiveness cannot flourish on a fractured base. They require cohesion.

For the next MFF, Malta has three priorities that flow directly from our experience. First, we need Cohesion Policy to continue addressing structural realities. Geography cannot be ignored. Insularity cannot be ignored. Scale cannot be ignored. A one-size-fits-all model will not work. Cohesion must remain place-based, flexible and grounded in the unique challenges of each Member State.

For Malta, this means continued support for connectivity, environmental resilience, digital infrastructure and administrative capacity.

Second, we need Cohesion Policy to integrate competitiveness objectives in a way that is accessible to all Member States. This does not mean lowering ambition. It means recognising that innovation ecosystems differ in size and maturity.

Cohesion funds can strengthen the enablers that allow small states to participate in European value chains. Malta does not need massive research campuses to contribute to EU competitiveness. It needs targeted investment in research capacity, digital technologies, skills and specialised niches where we can excel. Cohesion Policy must help create the right environment so that competitive EU-wide funds become accessible rather than out of reach.

Third, we need the next MFF to support administrative capacity. This is not a technical footnote. It is the determining factor of whether Member States can absorb funds, implement projects and comply with increasingly complex rules. Administrative burden affects small states disproportionately. If administrative capacity is not supported, the gap between Member States grows. And that gap becomes a barrier within the single market.

The private sector understands this reality. When businesses face different regulatory performance, different levels of digitalisation, different environmental standards and different timelines for implementation, the single market becomes uneven. EU funding helps level the playing field. It strengthens institutions, speeds up processes, and reduces compliance costs. The private sector therefore has a direct interest in the future design of Cohesion Policy.

Let me also reflect briefly on the structural pressures facing Europe. Geopolitical instability, technological competition, demographic shifts and climate impacts are forcing Europe to rethink its economic strategy.

Strategic autonomy, resilience and competitiveness are becoming central to the debate. But strategic autonomy cannot be achieved if only some Member States have the structural foundations to deliver. The new MFF must therefore balance excellence with cohesion. It must avoid creating a two-speed Europe. It must invest not only in global competitiveness but also in the capacity of each Member State to contribute.

For Malta, the priority remains clear. We want an EU budget that strengthens the single market. We want Cohesion Policy that supports transformation. We want competitive instruments that remain accessible. And we want a funding framework that recognises that small Member States face structural challenges that require long-term support. This is not about special treatment. It is about ensuring that the single market functions as intended: as a level playing field.

The private sector has a crucial role as well. Businesses are not passive recipients of EU policy. They are active participants shaping how the single market evolves. The concerns raised by Maltese enterprises about regulatory fragmentation, barriers to services, delays in enforcement and compliance burdens are not abstract. They reflect the lived reality of operating within the single market. EU funding helps reduce these barriers.

It supports the modernisation of public administration. It strengthens regulatory capacity. And it enables governments to deliver reforms that benefit both citizens and businesses.

Let me end where I began. The single market has been one of the most powerful economic engines in Europe’s history. But its success cannot be taken for granted. It requires continuous investment, continuous reform and continuous commitment to fairness. EU funding is not separate from the single market. It is the mechanism that keeps it alive, cohesive and competitive. It ensures that geography does not become destiny. It enables transformation. And it gives every Member State the tools to contribute to Europe’s shared future.

Malta will continue working with its partners to ensure that the next MFF reflects these principles. We will advocate for a strong Cohesion Policy that supports transformation and competitiveness. We will continue investing in connectivity, digitalisation, sustainability and human capital.

And we will remain committed to ensuring that EU opportunities reach our businesses, our workers and our communities. The single market must remain a source of opportunity for all. EU funding is how we make that possible.

Thank you.

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Insaħħu l-infrastruttura tal-enerġija

€165 miljun ta’ finanzjament minn Fondi Ewropej

Il-provista tal-elettriku hija important ferm għal kull attività fil-pajjiż. Mingħajr provista adekwata tal-elettriku l-pajjiż ma jistax jimxi ‘l quddiem. Jekk tistagħġna din il-provista il-pajjiż jista’ jmut. Bħal meta tinstadd arterja prinċipali fil-ġisem tal-bniedem.

Minn l-2013 sar investiment biex pajjiżna jkompli jkabbar il-provista tal-elettriku biex din timxi pari passu mat-tkabbir ekonomiku li aħna stess konna qed naħdmu għalih. Dejjem emminna li l-pajjiż irid ikabbar l-ekonomija tiegħu biex il-cake nazzjonali jikber u nkunu nistgħu inwettqu l-viżjoni tagħna ta’ titjib fil-livell tal-għajxien ta’ kulħadd.

Sa minn qabel il-poplu Malti tana l-fiduċja b’saħħitha fl-elezzjoni tal-2013, rajna li biex inwettqu l-programm tagħna kien jeħtieġ li tikber u tissaħħaħ il-provista tal-elettriku tagħna. Ma’ dan kellna l-għan prinċipali l-ieħor, dak li nnaddfu darba għal dejjem, id-diżastru ambjentali maħluq mill-użu tal-Heavy Fuel Oil fil-Power Station ta’ Delimara, iż-żarmar taċ-ċumnija li tħammeġ f’Dellimara u ż-żarmar tal-Power Station tal-Marsa. Il-qalba għall-użu tal-gass fil-ġenerazzjoni tal-enerġija saret f’din id-direzzjoni u biex fl-istess waqt saħħaħna l-provista tal-elettriku.

Hekk kif dħalna fl-amministrazzjoni tal-pajjiż fl-2013 ridna naraw li l-interconnector  bejn Malta u Sqallija li thabbar fi zmien gvern Nazzjonalista jitwettaq biex imbagħad beda jintuża fl-2015. Dan kien diġa beda jagħtina aktar serħan il-moħħ li fl-eqqel tal-użu tal-elettriku partikolarment fl-eqqel tas-sajf jew tax-xitwa, jkollna provista adekwata. Imma, hekk kif it-tkabbir ekonomiku baqa’ jissaħħaħ, sena wara sena, ridna naraw li l-pajjiż ikun ippreparat għall-futur.

Dan wassal għall-pjan li pajjiżna jkollu it-tieni interconnector li se jtina aktar minn minn 200 Megwatt ieħor ta’ elettriku permezz ta’ cable li qed jgħaddi minn fuq fl-art fi Sqallija għall-baħar li jaqsam iż-żewġ gżejjer u li mbagħad jispiċċa fuq l-art f’Malta qrib il-Magħtab.

Ix-xogħol li qed jitwettaq mill-kumpanija tal-Gvern InterConnect Malta huwa wieħed imprezzabbli u qed isir b’dedikazzjoni u professjonalità kbira. Fl-aħħar jiem, flimkien mal-Ministru għall-Ambjent, l-Enerġija u l-Indafa Pubbika Miriam Dalli, kellna l-opportunità nżuru x-xogħol li għaddej bħalissa f’Ragusa fi Sqallija fejn beda jitqiegħed il-cable tul medda ta’ 21 kilometru li mill-istazzjon tal-Enemalta fi Sqallija irid iwassal sal-baħar biex imbagħad minn hemm, ikompli jitqiegħed il-cable f’qiegħ il-baħar biex jitwassal sa Malta.

Ħdimna u rnexxielna li għal dan il-proġett nġibu €165 miljun ta’ finanzjament minn Fondi Ewropej li bihom, flimkien ma’ fondi lokali irridu npoġġu lil Malta b’mod aktar b’saħħtu fil-grid Ewropew tal-Enerġija u jtina s-serħan il-moħħ ta’ fornitura adekwata ta’ elettriku.

Grazzi lill-entitajiet kollha nvoluti fit-twettieq ta’ dan il-proġett, tax-xogħol kbir li qed iwettqu biex il-familji Maltin u Għawdxin u l-pajjiż jkollhom sigurtà sħiħa fil-provista tal-elettriku.

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L-għażliet li nagħmlu llum ifasslu l-futur ta’ pajjiżna

Il-proġett One Device Per Child li ħabbart flimkien mal-Ministru Clifton Grima huwa għażla favur il-futur ta’ pajjiżna. B’investiment ta’ €54 miljun minn Fondi Ewropej u Fondi Nazzjonali qegħdin niżguraw studenti irrispettivament minn liema faxxa soċjali ġejjin, se jkollhom l-istess opportunità li javvanzaw fl-edukazzjoni tagħhom permezz tal-għodod diġitali li qed nagħtuhom biex jimxu pass pass ma’ kif qed tavvanza t-teknoloġija llum.

“Qed niżguraw li l-ebda tifel jew tifla ma jitħallew jaqgħu lura.”

Meta l-Unjoni Ewropea fasslet il-Programm tagħha għall-Irkupru u r-Reżiljenza fl-eqqel tal-pandemija tal-Covid kellha f’moħħha li l-Ewropa kellha bżonn ekonomija li tagħmel inqas impatt fuq l-ambjent u ekonomija aktar diġitali u kellu jsir investiment massiċċ f’din id-direzzjoni. Dak li qed iwettaq il-Gvern Malti bil-proġett One Device Per Child juri impenn ħalli jsir investiment biex il-ġejjieni nfassluh illum. Qegħdin b’din l-inizjattiva, nwettqu wegħda oħra tal-Manifest “Malta Flimkien” meta konna wegħdna li nestendu dak li konna bdejna fil-leġislatura li għaddiet bil-proġett One Tablet Per Child.

L-inizjattiva biex kull student minn Year 7 ‘l fuq ikollu l-laptop tiegħu hija waħda mill-aqwa. F’din l-ewwel fażi tal-proġett qed jingħata laptop lill-istudenti kollha tas-7, it-8 u d-9 sena tal-kors edukattiv. Qed ninvestu biex inħejju il-ġenerazzjonijiet t’għada biex ikunu aktar abbli fil-ħiliet diġitali. Qed ninvestu biex inkunu aktar inklussivi, jiġifieri li kulħadd ikollu l-opportunità li jaċċedi għat-teknoloġija. Qegħdin inkunu nklussivi għaliex m’aħniex nagħmlu differenza bejn min jista’ u min ma jistax.

Irridu nkomplu ninvestu fit-taħriġ, għat-tfal, għall-ġenituri, għal min iħaddem, għal dawk li diġa qegħdin fil-postijiet tax-xogħol, għaliex id-dinja qed tinbidel kontinwament. Ninsabu fl-era tal-Intelliġenza Artifiċjali, l-AI li ma rridux narawha bħala xi ħaġa li tbeżżagħna imma teknoloġija li qegħda magħna u rridu naghrfu kif nużawha.

Il-proġett li inawgurajna taħt il-kappa tal-European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) għandu l-għan li joħloq ambjent modern, inklussiv u lest għall-futur edukattiv ta’ pajjiżna. Dan irridu nilħquh kemm fil-klassijiet tal-iskola kif ukoll barra minnhom. Kif fassalna l-programm qed niżguraw li l-ebda tifel jew tifla ma jitħallew jaqgħu lura. Bl-għoti tal-laptop lill-istudenti mis-7 Sena qegħdin nagħtuhom l-għodda li għandhom bżonn biex jitgħallmu, joħolqu u jirnexxu f’dinja diġitali.

Il-€54 miljun ser jintefqu wkoll fuq it-taħriġ tal-edukaturi biex jintegraw effittivament it-teknoloġija fil-mod kif jgħallmu. Permezz tal-fondi ser nipprovdu kontenut diġitali tas-suġġetti kollha mgħallma. Aspett ieħor huwa li se tkun provduta sistema ta’ pjattaformi diġitali siguri li jipproteġu lill-istudenti waqt li jesploraw u jitgħallmu permezz tal-laptops li qed nipprovdulhom.

Din hija t-triq ‘il quddiem. Spirtu ta’ tim wieħed, ministeri li jaħdmu flimkien biex nilħqu l-għanijiet tagħna għall-ġejjieni ta’ pajjiżna.

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Il-Fondi Ewropej Qegħdin Hemm Għalik – Tliet Stejjer ta’ Suċċess

Bi ftit kuraġġ u bis-servizzi kollha disponibbli, il-bibien jinsabu miftuħa għal min irid jagħmel pass ‘il quddiem u jfassal il-futur tiegħu bl-għajnuna tal-fondi Ewropej.

Il-fondi Ewropej mhumiex xi ħaġa astratta jew ’il bogħod minna. Huma opportunità li tista’ tibdel il-ħajja tan-nies u tħalli impatt pożittiv fuq in-negozji tagħna. Il-Gvern huwa impenjat li jġib dawn l-opportunitajiet eqreb lejn il-komunitajiet tagħna, speċjalment lejn l-intrapriżi żgħar u medji (SMEs), biex ikunu jistgħu jikbru, jespandu u jinnovaw l-operat tagħhom.

Għalija, kull storja ta’ suċċess hija prova ċara ta’ kemm dan l-impenn qed jagħti frott. Abraham Scicluna minn Għajnsielem, Għawdex, beda jgħin lil ommu fir-razzett tal-familja tiegħu minn meta kellu 14-il sena. Illum, bl-appoġġ ta’ Servizzi Ewropej f’Malta (SEM) u grazzi għal aktar minn €217,000 f’fondi Ewropej, se jkun qed jinvesti f’faċilitajiet moderni għar-razzett tiegħu u għall-produzzjoni tal-ġbejniet, billi jżomm il-kwalità u jsaħħaħ l-operat tiegħu b’mod sostenibbli.

Storja oħra ta’ ispirazzjoni hija dik ta’ William Bugeja, mastrudaxxa bi snin ta’ esperjenza li dejjem xtaq jiftaħ intrapriża għal rasu. Permezz tal-iskema SME Enhance u bil-gwida ta’ SEM, William kiseb madwar €100,000 f’fondi Ewropej biex jixtri tagħmir u makkinarju essenzjali għall-produzzjoni ta’ għamara ta’ kwalità għolja. Dan l-investiment, b’valur totali ta’ aktar minn €200,000, ippermettilu jagħmel l-ewwel pass importanti biex iwaqqaf u jkabbar l-intrapriża tiegħu.

Fl-istess waqt, Mosta Bacon Ltd – negozju tal-familja Saliba mmexxi minn sitt aħwa – bbenefikat ukoll minn opportunitajiet ta’ fondi Ewropej. Bl-għajnuna ta’ SEM, huma rnexxielhom jinvestu f’tagħmir u titjib tal-faċilitajiet tagħhom, biex ikunu jistgħu jkomplu jservu lill-klijenti tagħhom b’prodotti ta’ kwalità, filwaqt li jżidu l-effiċjenza u l-kompetittività tagħhom fis-suq.

Dawn mhumiex każijiet iżolati. Huma eżempji ta’ kif il-fondi Ewropej jistgħu jħallu impatt reali, mhux biss fuq il-bilanċ finanzjarju ta’ negozju, iżda fuq il-viżjoni u l-futur tiegħu. Il-fatt li l-proċess issa qed isir aktar aċċessibbli, grazzi wkoll għall-appoġġ personalizzat ta’ SEM, ifisser li aktar intrapriżi u persuni self-employed jistgħu jgawdu minn dawn il-benefiċċji.

Għalkemm il-proċess tal-applikazzjoni jeħtieġ attenzjoni u gwida rigward l-formalitajiet u d-dokumenti meħtieġa, dan m’għandux jiskoraġixxi lil min jixtieq japplika. Huwa proprju għalhekk li teżisti Servizzi Ewropej f’Malta (SEM) – li mingħajr ħlas, tagħti l-informazzjoni, il-gwida u l-appoġġ matul il-proċedura kollha, pass pass, sabiex ħadd ma jitlef opportunità li tista’ tibdel il-futur tiegħu.

Il-messaġġ tiegħi hu wieħed ċar: il-fondi Ewropej qegħdin hemm għalik. Bħala Gvern, se nkomplu naħdmu biex inżidu l-aċċess għal dawn il-fondi, inkomplu nsaħħu l-informazzjoni u l-appoġġ disponibbli, u nkunu sħab attivi fin-negozju u l-iżvilupp tal-komunitajiet tagħna.

L-istorja ta’ Abraham, ta’ William u tal-aħwa Saliba juru b’mod ċar kemm din l-għajnuna tista’ tkun trasformattiva. Bi ftit kuraġġ u bis-servizzi kollha disponibbli, il-bibien jinsabu miftuħa għal min irid jagħmel pass ‘il quddiem u jfassal il-futur tiegħu bl-għajnuna tal-fondi Ewropej.

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From Insularity to Influence: Malta’s Strategic EU Role

Last July, Malta hosted the ESPON M-Insular Workshop – a crucial step in our ongoing effort to ensure that the realities of our islands are understood, recognised, and acted upon at European level.

This event was far more than a technical meeting. It was a testimony of our shared determination to put Malta’s unique challenges, as a small island state – and Gozo’s double insularity – at the heart of European policymaking. The M-Insular study, developed within the ESPON 2030 Programme, is gathering the data and evidence we need to show, in measurable economic terms, the cost of our geographic realities. These findings will be essential in shaping both national policies and future EU Cohesion Programmes after 2027.

“Our government has already begun analysing the European Commission proposal to ensure that Malta’s needs are fully reflected.”

Timing is critical. Just days before this workshop, the European Commission presented its proposal for a new EU budget of €2 trillion for 2028–2034. Our government has already begun analysing this proposal to ensure that Malta’s needs are fully reflected. In my recent visit to Brussels with our Permanent Secretary, we met with Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu and Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto to discuss aligning EU funding with Malta’s challenges, from investing in the green transition and skills development to strengthening cohesion funding.

For Malta, European funding is not only about financial resources. It is about fairness, solidarity, and recognising that “cohesion” means different things in different places. In our context, it means tackling structural disadvantages stemming from our geography and transforming them into opportunities for growth and resilience.

We are committed to using EU funds strategically not simply absorbing them, but directing every euro towards initiatives that deliver long-term value for our people. But to invest wisely, we must first understand fully. That is why this study, and the dialogue it generates, is so important.

I extend my thanks to the Cambridge Econometrics team, E-Cubed Consultants, the Planning Authority as Malta’s ESPON contact point, and our Ministry’s’ Strategy and Implementation Division for their work on this project. I also thank all stakeholders and social partners who participated in this workshop, contributing the insights that will ensure our case is strong and rooted in the lived experiences of our communities.

Our message is clear: Malta will continue to work hand in hand with its European partners to build a fairer and more territorially aware European Union – one in which no voice is left unheard, and no region is left behind.

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Insaħħu s-Settur tal-Loġistika f’Malta bil-Fondi Ewropej

“L-industrija tat-trasport u l-loġistika hija pilastru fundamentali tal-ekonomija tagħna.”

Għal pajjiż bħal Malta – gżira b’ċokon u limitazzjonijiet ġeografiċi – in-nuqqas ta’ konnessjonijiet diretti jista’ jkun ta’ sfida serja għall-kompetittività. Madanakollu, grazzi għall-ħidma komuni bejn il-Gvern u n-negozji, u bl-appoġġ anke tal-fondi Ewropej, qed jirnexxilna naħdmu flimkien biex indawru dawn l-iżvantaġġi f’opportunitajiet.

F’dan il-kuntest, kien ta’ sodisfazzjon għalija li niltaqa’ ma’ diversi operaturi f’dan is-settur waqt seminar organizzat mill-ATTO – l-Assoċjazzjoni tal-Operaturi tat-Tractors u t-Trailers. Hawnhekk stajt naqsam l-aħħar żviluppi dwar is-sejħiet għall-fondi li huma miftuħa biex b’mod dirett isaħħu l-kapaċità u l-kompetittività tan-negozji Maltin u Għawdxin.

Minn Ġunju 2023 sa llum, il-Gvern nieda 10 sejħiet taħt il-Fond Ewropew għall-Iżvilupp Reġjonali (ERDF), li wasslu għal aktar minn 360 ftehim ta’ għotja u €22 miljun f’għajnuna diretta lin-negozji. Din hija xhieda ta’ kemm l-imprendituri Maltin għandhom fiduċja fil-mekkaniżmi li noffru biex jiġu megħjuna fit-tkabbir tagħhom.

Illum, seba’ skemi huma miftuħin b’opportunitajiet għal proġetti ta’ diġitalizzazzjoni, konsulenza, u tkabbir tan-negozji. Waħda minnhom hija l-iskema “Digitalise your SME”, li b’allokazzjoni ta’ €5 miljun qed tgħin lin-negozji jinvestu fl-Intelliġenza Artifiċjali, software, is-sigurtà diġitali u aktar. Dan kollu b’għajnuna ta’ finanzjament sa 50% għal Malta u 60% għal Għawdex.

Qed nindirizzaw ukoll l-isfidi speċifiċi tas-settur, bħal dawk relatati mal-kompetittività u l-internazzjonalizzazzjoni. Permezz ta’ skemi oħra, qed noffru sa €20,000 għal dawk li jixtiequ jespandu l-operat tagħhom fi swieq barranin. Kollha għandhom għan wieħed: biex in-negozju jitjieb u jkompli jikber.

F’dan il-proċess kollu, is-servizzi offruti minn Servizzi Ewropej f’Malta (SEM) qed jagħtu kontribut essenzjali. Din l-aġenzija qed tipprovdi informazzjoni ċara u gwida prattika lill-imprendituri dwar il-fondi disponibbli, il-proċess ta’ applikazzjoni u l-kriterji li jridu jiġu rispettati. L-esperjenza tagħhom qed tgħin ħafna kumpaniji, żgħar u kbar, biex japprofittaw mill-opportunitajiet disponibbli b’mod effettiv u b’kunfidenza.

Minbarra l-ERDF, għandna wkoll il-Programm għall-Irkupru u r-Reżiljenza (RRF), li fih aktar minn €35 miljun allokati għal negozji – b’iktar minn nofshom diġà kommessi. Dan il-programm għandu skadenza sal-2026 u għalhekk ħeġġiġt lill-benefiċjarji biex jaċċelleraw l-implimentazzjoni tal-proġetti tagħhom.

Fl-istess waqt, fis-settur tat-trasport qed inħarsu lejn proġetti li jippromwovu l-mobilità sostenibbli – fosthom SMITHS, proġett nazzjonali ta’ hubs intermodali, li jiffaċilitaw trasport b’emissjonijiet baxxi u jtejjbu l-konnettività f’Malta. Investiment ieħor importanti qed isir f’sistema ITS – Intelligent Transport System – għall-monitoraġġ intelliġenti tat-traffiku fit-toroq tagħna, bil-għan li nnaqqsu l-konġestjoni u ntejbu l-ġestjoni tat-trasport f’ħin reali.

Fl-istess ħin, ninsabu konxji li l-ħtieġa għad-dekarbonizzazzjoni titlob sforz kollettiv. Il-prinċipju “Do No Significant Harm” u l-ħarsien tas-sostenibbiltà huma kundizzjonijiet kruċjali biex kwalunkwe fond jiġi approvat. Għalhekk, l-istandards tal-emissjonijiet, l-effiċjenza tal-fuel u r-reċiklaġġ tal-vetturi għandhom ikunu fuq quddiem nett tad-diskussjoni.

L-għan tagħna huwa wieħed: li kull ewro li tirċievi Malta mill-Unjoni Ewropea jissarraf f’ġid għall-pajjiż. U dan iseħħ biss jekk ilkoll flimkien – Gvern u operaturi – inkomplu naħdmu b’għaqal, b’viżjoni u b’mod effettiv.

Nirringrazzja lil kull min qed jagħti sehem attiv biex l-ekonomija tagħna tissaħħaħ u nkompli nħeġġeġ lin-negozji biex jaħtfu l-opportunitajiet li joffru l-fondi ewropej għal aktar suċċess fil-ħidma tagħhom.

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Final Conference of EEA and Norway Grants 2014–2021 in Malta – SPEECH 16.07.2025

Your Excellency,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Distinguished representatives from the Financial Mechanism Office, esteemed colleagues from the Strategy and Implementation Division, project partners, stakeholders, and honoured guests – good morning.

It is both a pleasure and a privilege to address you at this final conference marking the conclusion of the EEA and Norway Grants 2014–2021 programming period. While today we draw this chapter to a close, we also celebrate the journey, the partnerships we have built, and the tangible results achieved thanks to this invaluable financial mechanism.

 

“The EEA and Norway Grants are more than a funding tool – they are a symbol of solidarity, a mechanism built on shared European values and a common vision for social and economic cohesion.”

Malta has been proud to take part in this collaborative effort, and the results speak for themselves.

Through the generous support of Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, our country was entrusted with €8 million in funding. But the value of this support goes far beyond the monetary figure. What we see today is a portfolio of projects that reflect the needs of our communities and the strategic direction of our national policy. We see real investment in social inclusion, in the empowerment of youth, in the strengthening of local governance, and in the preservation of our cultural identity.

From training local council staff and executive secretaries to better serve local communities, to helping young people reintegrate into civil society; from supporting victims of domestic violence to restoring our maritime heritage – each initiative has contributed to building a more inclusive, more resilient, and more just society.

But none of this would have been possible without good governance and clear objectives. Funding, on its own, does not transform lives. What matters is how those funds are managed, coordinated, and deployed.

I must take this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation to the Funds and Programmes Division (FPD) within Malta’s European Funds administration at Fondi.eu. As the national focal point and implementing body, their dedication, professionalism, and tireless commitment have been critical in turning opportunities into lasting benefits for our communities.

This Government has always believed in strategic planning and responsible leadership when it comes to European and international funding. We do not view these resources as mere financial support – we see them as tools for transformation. That is why we have worked to make the best use out of the resources received, ensuring they are translated into measurable outcomes. And that is why we will continue to place European solidarity and international collaboration at the heart of our policy-making.

This is our political commitment: to build a stronger, fairer, and more sustainable Malta by investing wisely and aligning projects with our national goals – especially in areas like social welfare, youth development, sustainable infrastructure, and community cohesion.

Today’s event is also about looking forward. The networks created, the experiences shared, and the lessons learned throughout this programming period form the basis for future success. We are already preparing for what comes next – not just in terms of the next round of EEA and Norway Grants, but across all EU-funded initiatives. The structures and capacities we have built, especially within the Funds and Programmes Division, put us in an excellent position to lead with confidence and ambition.

In conclusion, let us not see this conference merely as an ending, but rather as a foundation. Let us carry forward the momentum and spirit of cooperation that this Programme has fostered. Together, we have shown that even with limited funds, we can achieve meaningful, lasting change when those funds are guided by vision, managed with integrity, and implemented with purpose.

Thank you.

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Investing in Health, Investing in People

The inauguration of a new CT scanner at St Vincent de Paul Residence marks much more than the completion of another project. It is a clear step forward in our commitment to build a healthcare system that is modern, inclusive, and prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

This investment is part of a much wider €58.6 million programme funded under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2021–2027, aimed at upgrading Malta’s medical infrastructure and replacing outdated equipment. The scanner installed at San Vinċenz is a milestone in that effort – not only because of its advanced technology, but because of the values it represents: equal access to care, respect for patient dignity, and forward-looking governance.

For the first time in Malta, we now have a CT scanner that can be used by patients weighing up to 300 kilograms. Previously, individuals above a certain weight threshold were excluded from accessing this critical diagnostic service. With this new equipment, valued at €1.5 million – of which €900,000 was co-financed by EU funds – we have eliminated that barrier, widening the circle of inclusion in healthcare.

The scanner will serve not only the residents of San Vinċenz de Paul, but also patients referred from outside. This decentralisation of diagnostic services will help alleviate pressure on Mater Dei Hospital, reduce waiting times, and improve the overall patient flow across our national healthcare network. In its first year alone, we expect this scanner to carry out around 10,000 scans – a figure that represents both efficiency and reach.

“This investment is part of a larger vision: to enhance the resilience of our healthcare system.”

More importantly, this investment is part of a larger vision: to enhance the resilience of our healthcare system. The lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic are still fresh. We have learned that resilience is built through preparation, investment, and innovation. This is why, through EU funds, we are not just replacing what is old, but we are building something better.

The benefits of this project are immediate and measurable: faster diagnoses, more accurate results, better treatment outcomes, and broader access for all patients. But its real value lies in the long-term impact – how it contributes to a more agile, responsive, and inclusive healthcare system.

Recently, together with my colleague Minister Jo Etienne Abela, we also inaugurated a national project for a new legal framework for long-term elderly care. That, too, is a reflection of the same principles: dignity, inclusion, and proactive planning. These projects are not isolated. They are interconnected pillars of a national strategy built on service and responsibility.

We are determined to fulfil the ambitious commitments of our electoral programme. Better healthcare, closer to the people, based on real needs – not slogans. The support of European funding is instrumental in delivering on this promise. But EU funds, resourceful as they are, must be matched with vision, dedication, and careful implementation.

This investment is proof of what can be achieved when all these elements come together. It is a reminder that with the right tools and the right priorities, we can truly make a difference in the lives of our people.

Let us continue to use these opportunities wisely to invest not only in equipment, but in the wellbeing of the citizens we serve.

 

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Celebrating Solidarity and Youth Empowerment at the ESC Annual Event

“Solidarity, collaboration, and the belief in a society that empowers young people to lead with purpose.”

The 2025 edition of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) Annual Event at Smart City, held under the theme The Power of Together, brought together a vibrant community of volunteers, project leaders, and organisations to celebrate the transformative power of youth-led initiatives across Malta and Europe.

This gathering was more than just a celebration — it was a reaffirmation of the core values that drive the ESC: solidarity, collaboration, and the belief in a society that empowers young people to lead with purpose. The event showcased the incredible work being carried out by dedicated volunteers and highlighted how these initiatives translate European values into action, from promoting environmental protection and social inclusion to supporting vulnerable communities.

During the event, participants had the opportunity to present their projects and share their experiences through interactive stalls and activities. The creativity and passion on display were a testament to the lasting impact these programmes are having on local communities and on the volunteers themselves.

A key message echoed throughout the day was the importance of continuing to support these efforts through European funding. In this regard, the European Union Programmes Agency (EUPA) was commended for its exceptional coordination of initiatives such as Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps. The effective management and accessibility of these programmes ensure that more young people in Malta can benefit from meaningful opportunities for growth, learning, and contribution.

Particular recognition was also given to the organisations holding the ESC Quality Label. Their commitment to providing enriching, well-structured volunteering experiences plays a crucial role in helping young people develop the skills and values they need to thrive in today’s society.

This year’s event followed Malta’s successful hosting of the 4th European Youth Work Convention, which convened hundreds of youth workers, policymakers, and young leaders from across Europe. Both events reflect the country’s ongoing commitment to shaping a future where young people are not only heard but also supported in becoming active agents of change.

As the ESC Annual Event concluded, the message was clear: Malta is proud to champion the spirit of solidarity, and it remains steadfast in its support for programmes that invest in the next generation. The energy and dedication of all participants continue to inspire and remind us of the difference young people can make when given the right tools and opportunities.

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Empowering SMEs

Small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of our economy.

They create thousands of jobs and contribute hugely to our growth. Most SMEs are family owned however all SMEs have one thing in common: resilience.

Despite decades of resilience, SMEs punched above their weight and kept our economy going and growing. Today, Malta has the fastest growing economy within the eurozone and one of the highest employment rates in Europe. Our SMEs are one of the main reasons for this extraordinary success.

Having spent most of my young and adult life in politics and having practised the legal profession before I was appointed to Cabinet meant that I am in frequent contact with small and medium-sized businesses. They face challenges, but none happen to be insurmountable because most of them are resilient, and the Labour administrations, since 2013, have had their back.

Our primary aim has always been to help small businesses grow locally. In parallel we want to give them the tools to venture abroad. The government has just introduced three new strategic schemes aimed at strengthening the competitive edge of our local enterprises.

These schemes focus on marketing strategy, standards and awards, and internationalisation. They are more than just financial instruments. They are tools designed to empower SMEs to consolidate their local operations and confidently pursue new opportunities abroad.

Through the Marketing Strategy Scheme, SMEs are being provided with an opportunity for assistance up to €10,000 to assist them execute a professional marketing plan that provides them with a solid foundation for domestic consolidation and cross-border expansion.

Another scheme, the Standards and Awards Scheme, offers up to €15,000 to assist companies in securing international certifications, raising their profile, and reinforcing consumer trust.

The Internationalisation Scheme provides up to €20,000 in support to enterprises are exploring business opportunities in foreign markets.  These funds may cover feasibility studies, consultancy, and market-entry strategies.

Each scheme has a budget of €500,000. Co-financing is set at50%, increasing to 60% for start-ups. This is a clear sign of our commitment to emerging businesses. These efforts are co-financed through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and implemented in full compliance with EU State Aid regulations.

Financial support only works with sound coordination and transparent delivery. I am deeply grateful for the sterling work being carried out by Servizzi Ewropej f’Malta (SEM) and the Measures and Support Division within my Ministry who are providing all the administration and support in relation to these schemes.

Their deep sense of duty, professional attitude, and efficiency ensures that these funds are not only accessible but are channelled effectively toward those areas where they can make the greatest impact. SEM’s dedication to public service was recently honoured in the Public Service Awards ceremony, where it received the quality award for exceptional service delivery, reflecting the agency’s commitment to professional excellence.

 Their expert guidance, from applications to EU co-financing, remains indispensable. The feedback received has been outstanding. Within weeks of the launch of these schemes six service providers enrolled to deliver these schemes, with more expected soon. This reflects the growing maturity of Malta’s entrepreneurial support ecosystem.

Beyond these new schemes, government support for SMEs remains multifaceted — from aiding participation in international trade fairs and fostering global partnerships to promoting digital transformation. These are not standalone interventions, but part of a holistic economic strategy designed to future-proof Maltese businesses in a competitive global landscape.

Ultimately, our vision as government remains steadfast in its vision: to build a dynamic SME sector that contributes to Malta’s long-term, sustainable growth

By equipping our SMEs with the tools, expertise, and funding they need to scale up, we are not only providing them with the opportunity to tap into international markets, but we are also investing in Malta’s long-term economic success.

I encourage SMEs to explore these EU funded opportunities. It is imperative that the Maltese business community takes next bold step towards more growth and innovation. The journey to further success starts here with the right support, the right plan, and the right partners. Let’s work together to support SME’s and future growth.

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