“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.
