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.