As part of Public Service Week, three strategic schemes have been officially launched to enhance the capabilities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malta. These initiatives — focused on marketing, standards and awards, and internationalisation strategies — are designed to offer both professional guidance and financial support to help local businesses strengthen their position in the domestic market and prepare for expansion abroad.

“A valuable opportunity for SMEs seeking to grow, innovate, and explore new markets”

The schemes are offered within a broader framework co-financed by European Funds, with a strong focus on boosting the competitiveness of Maltese SMEs. The package includes:

Marketing Strategy Scheme: Provides support of up to €10,000 for small companies to develop a marketing plan aimed at reinforcing their presence in the local market while also preparing for international opportunities.

Standards & Awards Scheme: Offers up to €15,000 for businesses to obtain international certifications and awards for excellence, thereby enhancing their credibility and adopting globally recognised practices.

Internationalisation Scheme: Grants up to €20,000 to companies aiming to expand overseas, covering market feasibility studies and expert consultancy to facilitate their entry into foreign markets.

Each scheme is backed by a dedicated budget of €500,000, with public co-financing rates set at 50%, increasing to 60% for start-ups, in line with EU State Aid regulations.

These initiatives are supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), which prioritises the international growth of SMEs. For many of these enterprises, this represents a golden opportunity to access specialised advice and enter new markets with reduced risk.

In addition to these schemes, the Government is offering complementary support such as participation in international fairs, global collaborations, and assistance with digital transformation processes.

Since registrations opened in May, six service providers have already enrolled, with more expressing interest. This demonstrates the emergence of a strong support and knowledge ecosystem that Malta’s entrepreneurial community can benefit from.

At a time when Malta is experiencing record economic growth, these schemes mark another strategic step to help local businesses scale their operations and strengthen their foothold in foreign markets.

The Government reaffirms its long-term commitment to economic diversification and the resilience of SMEs through concrete support co-financed by the EU.

Applications are open on a rolling basis, with the first cut-off deadline set for 30 June 2025, followed by subsequent deadlines every two weeks until 12 December 2025.

This is a valuable opportunity for SMEs seeking to grow, innovate, and explore new markets — backed by the professional and financial resources needed to unlock their global potential.

“Qed nużaw il-Fondi Ewropej b’mod għaqli, mirqum u b’viżjoni”

Bħala parti mill-Konsultazzjoni Pubblika dwar il-Fond Soċjali tal-Klima, il-Ministeru għall-Fondi Ewropej u l-Implimentazzjoni tal-Programm Elettorali organizza sessjoni ta’ konsultazzjoni ma’ rappreżentanti tal-kunsilli lokali dwar inizjattiva ġdida b’investiment ta’ €6 miljun minn Fondi Ewropej għal aktar proġetti ta’ trasport ekoloġiku fil-lokalitajiet tagħna. Din ma kinitx biss sejħa għal proposti; iżda stedina għal djalogu miftuħ ma’ dawk li verament jafu x’inhuma l-ħtiġijiet tal-komunitajiet tagħna.

Il-kunsilli lokali huma l-ewwel linja ta’ kuntatt għal ħafna ċittadini. Huma jafu fejn hemm il-bżonn, u fejn l-investiment jista’ jagħmel differenza konkreta fil-ħajja ta’ kuljum tan-nies. Għalhekk, bħala Ministru, dejjem emmint li konsultazzjoni diretta magħhom hija kruċjali. Ebda strateġija, tajba kemm hi tajba, ma tista’ tirnexxi jekk ma tindirizzax il-proposti u s-suġġerimenti ta’ dawk li jmexxu l-komunitajiet tagħna minn jum għal jum.

L-għan hu wieħed ċar: li nużaw il-fondi Ewropej b’mod għaqli, mirqum u b’viżjoni. Il-Gvern irid jassigura li dawn il-fondi jaslu fejn verament hemm il-bżonn – f’rotot aħjar għall-mixi u għal mezzi alternattivi ta’ trasport, f’servizzi pubbliċi b’livell baxx ta’ emissjonijiet, u f’faċilitajiet li jgħinu lin-nies l-aktar vulnerabbli jivjaġġjaw b’mod sigur u sostenibbli.

Il-preżentazzjoni teknika waqt is-sessjoni, kif ukoll il-kontribut validu ta’ ħafna kunsilliera u rappreżentanti reġjonali, uriet kemm hemm rieda u enerġija biex nagħmlu passi ‘l quddiem flimkien. Din hija l-qalba tal-politika ta’ dan il-Gvern: politika ta’ għaqda, ta’ komunikazzjoni, u ta’ investiment ibbażat fuq l-impatt reali li nistgħu noħolqu.

Din il-konsultazzjoni ma ssarrafx biss f’aktar investiment; iżda turi wkoll fiduċja. Fiduċja li l-Gvern qed ikompli jafda lill-kunsilli bħala msieħba ċentrali fl-implimentazzjoni tal-viżjoni tagħna għal Malta aktar nadifa, iktar mobbli, u iktar sostenibbli. L-għażla li nkunu fuq quddiem fil-qasam tal-ambjent u l-kwalità tal-ħajja hija f’idejna – u bil-koperazzjoni mal-kunsilli lokali u l-partijiet kollha kkonċernati, din l-għażla tista’ ssir realtà.

Għaldaqstant, nistieden lil dawk kollha interessati jipparteċipaw f’din il-konsultazzjoni pubblika li se tibqa’ miftuħa sal-25 ta’ Ġunju 2025, billi jibgħatu il-kummenti tagħhom fuq publicconsultation.gov.mt jew fondi.eu

“European funds are there to help our communities, our businesses, and our institutions grow and thrive. Every well-implemented project makes a difference on the ground.”

Servizzi Ewropej f’Malta (SEM) regularly organises meaningful training sessions aimed at strengthening the capacity of those involved in implementing EU-funded projects across Malta and Gozo. Recently, I had the opportunity to address one such session held in Gozo, which brought together representatives from Public Entities, NGOs, Enterprises, Local Councils, and Schools — all of whom play an important role in helping to implement projects co-financed by European funds.

This training focused on the general principles of project implementation, offering practical guidance on key aspects such as procurement processes, differences between grants and partner agreements, and other important requirements that must be respected throughout the lifecycle of an EU-funded project. Rather than focusing on any one programme or funding call, the workshop aimed to provide a solid foundation applicable across different types of projects.

Crucially, the session was interactive and built around groupwork, creating the right environment for collaboration, learning, and the exchange of ideas and experiences between participants from diverse sectors.

I was very pleased to see such active participation, because our ability to make the most of European funding depends heavily on how well projects are implemented in practice. Good governance, proper procedures, and transparency are not just formalities — they are the elements that ensure we maximise the benefits of every euro we secure from European funds.

“Securing funds is only one part of the process; delivering quality projects that respect all necessary requirements is equally essential. This is why training initiatives like today’s are so valuable.”

I also encouraged those present, and the SEM employees facilitating the session, to continue approaching this work with both professionalism and passion. European funds are there to help our communities, our businesses, and our institutions grow and thrive. Every well-implemented project makes a difference on the ground.

At Government level, we are fully committed to attracting as many European funding opportunities as possible to Malta and Gozo. But securing funds is only one part of the process; delivering quality projects that respect all necessary requirements is equally essential. This is why training initiatives like today’s are so valuable.

I would like to thank SEM for organising this important session and for their ongoing work in supporting those who manage EU-funded projects. Through these efforts, we are building capacity and strengthening the overall impact of European funds in our country. It is our duty to continue to communicate the funding opportunities that European funds can offer. Tapping into European funds successfully is the constant objective we collectively need to strive for.

It is with great pride that I stand before you today at the close of the 4th European Youth Work Convention here in Valletta. Up until yesterday, I had no idea I’d be standing here with you today in my new role as Minister for EU Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme. So, if I look a little perplexed, I ask for your understanding—it’s been a whirlwind day, but I truly couldn’t have hoped for a more inspiring occasion to begin this new chapter.

 

A chapter, that I have to say, is actually Chapter Two as this portfolio for me is surely not unfamiliar. Between 2020 and 2022, I had the honour of overseeing European Funds as Parliamentary Secretary. Those, as you might recall, were challenging years, especially through the pandemic – but they were also a powerful reminder of how crucial EU funding is in driving forward national priorities and supporting people through uncertain times. I return to this role with experience, energy, and a clear sense of purpose.

Over the past few days, you have witnessed something truly special—voices united, ideas shared, and a community of passionate youth workers, decision-makers, and young people determined to shape the future of youth policy in Europe. This Convention, under the theme ‘Youth Work Xcelerate’, has been a pivotal platform. It allowed us not only to reflect on where we are but to decisively set the course for where we want youth work in Europe to go. And we did just that.

Together, you took stock of the progress made since the last Convention in 2020. And I am proud to say that the landscape of European youth work is stronger, more connected, and more empowered than ever before.

Our work would not be possible without the sustained commitment and investment of the European Union through Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps. Through Erasmus+, youth worker mobility and cooperation projects have laid the foundation for a more recognised, better resourced, and better connected youth work profession. These opportunities enabled our youth workers to gain international experience, engage in knowledge-sharing, and return home inspired with new tools and practices.

“The landscape of European youth work is stronger, more connected, and more empowered than ever before”

In Malta alone, the Erasmus+ Youth field recorded 2,986 participants in learning mobility activities across 2023 and 2024, supported by a remarkable 390 youth organisations. This represents not only strong engagement but also deep-rooted institutional participation that will carry this work forward.

The European Solidarity Corps has equally left its mark. Through high-quality volunteering and solidarity projects, it has brought the values of democracy, cohesion, and active citizenship to life for young people. It has also aligned closely with Malta’s National Volunteering Policy 2020–2025, especially in promoting good governance, inclusion, and relevance in volunteering initiatives. These programmes are more than numbers. They are stories of transformation. Of young people finding their voice. Of youth workers finding recognition. Of organisations building bridges across borders.

This Convention was an opportunity to reflect on how these initiatives feed directly into broader national and European strategies. From the European Youth Strategy 2019–2027, to the European Youth Work Agenda, to our own Malta Strategy 2050, there has been a consistent call: to empower young people not just as beneficiaries, but as co-creators of the democratic and social fabric of our countries.

“Malta’s Vision 2050 envisions a just, inclusive, and resilient society. Youth work is a cornerstone in achieving this future.”

It is through strong youth participation and recognised youth work that we will realise the strategic goals of sustainable development, social cohesion, and innovation.

These past few days, we did more than exchange ideas—we built a European Roadmap for Youth Work. Together, we agreed on shared priorities, affirmed our commitment to quality standards, and designed mechanisms for collaboration that will ensure the sustainability of youth work across Europe. We paved the way for the future. We laid down a concrete plan to accelerate—not just youth work, but also the recognition, resources, and respect it so rightly deserves.

Being in the driving seat of the Presidency of the Council of Europe, we are proud to have contributed meaningfully to this shared vision. Let me say it clearly: even the smallest country can play a big role in shaping Europe’s youth policy. Malta may be small in size, but through our commitment, through our leadership at this Convention, and through the active participation of our institutions and young people in Erasmus+ and ESC—we have proven that we can lead, we can inspire, and we can accelerate change.

In closing, I wish to thank all our partners—the European Commission, the Council of Europe, the EU-Council of Europe Youth Partnership, and our own national youth agency Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, along with the EUPA, for their unwavering support. To all youth workers, volunteers, and young people—your work matters, your voice matters, and your future matters. Let us go forward with renewed determination to build a Europe where no young person is left behind.

And as I step into this new role, I want to make it clear that I am here for you. I make myself available to listen, to collaborate, and to support your efforts—because it is only by working together that we can truly turn our shared vision into reality. Thank you, and I look forward to continuing this journey together.

Thank you.

“It-triq ‘l quddiem irridu nfassluha flimkien, u kulħadd irid ikollu sehem fl-ideat li jitressqu ’l quddiem.”

Is-sena li qed tintemm immarkat numru ta’ anniversarji importanti fl-istorja tagħna bħala pajjiż. Anniversarji li jfakkuna f’kisbiet kbar li għamlu missierijietna u għażliet importanti li għamilna bħala poplu tul is-snin. Kisbiet li tawna s-sovranità, kostituzzjoni repubblikana, il-ħelsien minn Malta bħala bażi militari u s-sħubija fl-Unjoni Ewropeja.

Pajjiżna hu dak li hu llum b’riżultat ta’ dawn il-kisbiet u l-għażliet li saru tul is-snin. L-għarfien tal-mixja ta’ pajjiż hija meħtiega, għaliex min ma jafx minfejn hu gej qatt ma jista’ jkun jaf ‘l fejn sejjer. Iċ-ċelebrazzjonijiet tal-kisbiet ta’ pajjiżna tul is-snin għandħom iservuna bħala punt ta’ tluq lejn il-ġejjieni.

Irridu niċċelebraw li matul is-snin, pajjiżna rnexxilu jibni ekonomija b’saħħitħa. Ekonomija li qed tikber b’rati bla preċedent u li qed toħloq xogħol għal kulħadd. Il-mistoqsija li rridu nwiegbu hija x’Malta rridu fiż-żmien li ġej. X’għażliet irridu nagħmlu llum biex infasslu il-Malta t’għada. X’inhu dak it-tajjeb li rridu nkomplu nibnu fuqu u fejn hemm bżonn inbiddlu.

Qed ngħixu f’dinja li qed tinbidel b’rata ferm aktar mgħaġġla, li fiha diversi instabilitajiet u kunflitti, li qed tara avvanzi tekonoloġiċi kbar bit-tħaddim tal-intelligenza artifiċjali. Dinja li fiha rwoli u xogħlijiet differenti li se jkunu qed jieħdu post xogħlijiet li nafu bihom sal lum.

Dan kollu iwassalna mhux biss biex inħarsu lejn il-futur bħala tkomplija tal-preżent, iżda li nifmhu kif irridu nitħejjew għal dak kollu li dan it-tibdil se jgib miegħu. It-tħejjija hija importanti, specjalment biex nippreparaw lill-generazzjonijiet li telgħin.

Filwaqt li rridu nħejju għal dawn l-isfidi, irridu nibqgħu nagħmlu l-għażliet it-tajba biex l-ekonomija tibqa’ b’saħħitħa. Irridu naġġornaw il-mod kif naħdmu biex pajjiżna isir wieħed ta’ aktar kwalità. Pajjiż li jattira aktar attivitajiet li jħallu valur akbar, u li jnaqqsu l-impatti negattivi tal-attività ekonomika.

F’inqas minn 75 sena, dan il-pajjiż irnexxilu jibni ekonomija sostenibbli, b’setturi ekonomiċi varji. Mill-gdid ninsabu f’mument importanti biex bħalma ta’ qabilna kisbu dak li għandna llum, inkunu aħna li naġġornaw dan kollu għall-ġejjieni. Imma t-tkabbir ekonomiku waħdu mhux biżżejjed.

Irridu naċċertaw aktar benessere, f’soċjetà li tagħder u li twennes lil min għaddej minn diffikultà. Aktar nies qed juru li pajjiżna għandnu bżonn aktar spażji miftuħa għall-familji. Qed ngħixu f’dinja bi sfidi ta’ tibdil fil-klima. Qatt daqs illum m’hu qed naraw xejriet ġodda fl-ambjent, li qed jagħtuna idea aktar ċara tar-riżultati tal-bidla fil-klima. Il-mistoqsija tibqa’ b’liema rata se nwettqu dak meħtieġ kemm bħala pajjiż kif wkoll fil-kommunità internazzjonali, biex dan nindirizzawh.

Il-bidliet u tħejjija għall-futur ma ssirx biss bl-għażliet li jsiru fl-istituzzjonijiet tal-pajjiż, iżda bil- parteċipazzjoni dejjem akbar mill-isħab soċjali. It-triq ‘l quddiem irridu nfassluha flimkien, u kulħadd irid ikollu sehem fl-ideat li jitressqu ’l quddiem.

Filwaqt li rridu nsaħħu l-attività ekonomika, ma nistgħu qatt ninsew li l-aktar riżorsa li dejjem irnexxejna biha f’dan il-pajjiż hija r-riżorsa umana. Għalħekk, tibqa’ priorità li pajjiżna joffri aktar tagħlim u taħriġ ta’ livell għoli, li jkun aġġornat għal dak li se toffri d-dinja fiż-żmien li ġej.

Quddiemna għandna triq mimlija sfidi, imma rridu nħarsu b’ottimiżmu u b’kuraġġ. Bħalma pajjiżna kellu l-ħila jasal fejn wasalna llum fi żmien qasir, bl-istess determinazzjoni, rieda u kuraġġ li kellhom ta’ qabilna, infasslu ‘l futur flimkien b’ottimiżmu.

Nawgura s-sena t-tajba lill-kulħadd.