Ivan Camilleri
€164 million in EU funds released for 33 projects
The EU has just approved the release of the first batch of funds under the 2007-2013 financial programme, signalling the biggest ever investment in Malta which should contribute towards a radical upgrade of the island's infrastructure.
Following submissions by the government earlier this year, Brussels has given the green light for the allocation of €164 million out of a total of €855 million granted to Malta under the current seven-year financial perspective.
Malta's €855 million allocation until 2013 was negotiated in 2005 by the government after it was concluded that it qualified for the highest amount of funding possible under current rules as the country was considered underdeveloped by EU standards. The first projects approved, 33 in total, include investment in crucial sectors of the economy, particularly tourism, road infrastructure and education.
The biggest project approved so far deals with the restoration of all the historic bastions and fortifications. This project, costing some €32.2 million, will be administered by the Resources Ministry and should be completed by 2013.
Tourism, the biggest sector of the economy, will also benefit directly. The Malta Tourism Authority has been entrusted with upgrading one of Malta's main tourism zones. This project has been allocated €12 million and will include major landscaping.
This project should be ready by 2011 and the tourism authorities are currently discussing which area to embellish. Another €4 million was allocated to upgrading two coastal stretches in Sliema and Qawra. At the same time, Heritage Malta will be utilising an additional €8 million until 2013 to implement a key heritage conservation project at one of Malta's major archaeological sites.
Fresh funds will also be injected into education, particularly at the University of Malta and MCAST. A total of €27.4 million has already been allocated to the University with one of the major projects costing more than €13 million - the construction and equipping of a state-of-the-art ICT faculty at the Tal-Qroqq campus. This project is expected to be completed by 2011.
Gozo, which will be absorbing 10 per cent of all EU funding, already got the green light for three major projects. €7.8 million has been allocated for the reconstruction of Xlendi Road and Ta' Pinu Road, while Villa Rundle, Victoria's open green space will see a total transformation with an investment of €2.1 million. In addition, Gozo's hospital will have a brand new operating theatre and a radiology unit costing €2.1 million.
Roads will also benefit from EU funds with tens of millions being allocated under the seven-year period to upgrade Malta's main arteries to European levels.
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A Daley
Aug 3rd 2008, 21:25
John Saliba, thank you for confirming that even you are one of those being taken for a ride.
Net amount Mr Saliba, net amount please!
How much are we paying back to the EU?
How much is the Government forking out for these so called "projects"?
One asked for figures, not a figure, most of which will be lost!
That is what one asked for and that is exactly what you haven't got Mr. Saliba!
Now enjoy the next budget where we will contribute through our noses for the ever increasing sum of 232 million Euros to service the National Debt. Every year Mr. Saliba, every year and still rising.
Any idea of the deficit Mr. Saliba?
Any idea of the National Debt by the end of this year Mr. Saliba?
Net amount Mr. Saliba!
You haven't got a hint, now have you?
Enjoy the difference between competence and arrogance in announcing figures.
John Saliba
Aug 3rd 2008, 19:23
Only a few days ago A. Daley insisted wanting the government to publish numbers regarding EU funding. Here they are Mr. Daley. €164 million for one year. More will come, plenty more will be used wisely by 2013. Does the number 2013 ring a bell, Mr. Daley? Just in case you and all the other socialists forgot, in 2013 Dr. Gonzi safe hands will be leading this beloved, and by then even more beutiful country of ours, for another five years.
A Daley
Aug 3rd 2008, 15:16
Anthony Briffa and Salvu Felice have conveniently forgotten that the Government has already lost some 125 million Euros in the first financial package ending 2007. These have been lost due to late presentation, which PN have purposely done because they did not have the funds to fork out their share for these projects.
Secondly these two experts have also forgotten that Labour never had to pay from our taxes the now marvellous sum of 232 million Euros a year (and every year) to service PN’s biblical sum of 3.254 Billion Euros in National Debt. This is eroding the Government finances and this year's budget will show that we are sinking, and sinking fast!
Are the Government finances in such a miserable sate that some £m60 million a year until 2013 seem a lot?
How much is the Government's share for these projects, and what happens when the funding dries up?
If these are going to be financed in the same way as the previous projects, then that means that more then half of these will not see the light.
No amount from the EU will go to make the slightest effect on our finances!
NET AMOUNT PLEASE!
Anyone knows?
L Galea
Aug 3rd 2008, 14:24
As far as I know funds are not released before the projects are completed, all receipts are examined, the projects themselves are inspected to see that they are up to EU standards, that they are according as to what had been approved, that all EU rules have been followed and that everything is correct.
As for EU funds, please remember that the EU is not giving us anything except part of our money that we are sending it each month as the Government contribution. 5 million euros x 12 months = 60 million euros x 7 years 420 million euros.
Remember that it is also getting the duties and levies on imports from countries outside the EU and part of the VAT that all of us are paying through our noses.
Deduct all these millions and see what a mere pittance we are getting from the EU. Indeed, we are most probably pending more than we are getting due to the hundreds of government workers engaged on EU duty, all the employees travelling to Brussels on EU business, the implementation of the Schengen agreement, the masses of illegal immigrants which we have to keep, etc. etc. etc.
Anthony Briffa
Aug 3rd 2008, 10:52
This news will put the mind of the Act. Leader of the Oppostion that no EU funds will be lost. Please be patient and watch.
Salvu Felice Pace
Aug 3rd 2008, 10:43
A timely reminder that none of this would have been possible had Joseph Muscat, the progressive and moderate leader of the MLP had his way.