The European Economic and Social Committee has appointed Maltese member Stefano Mallia to prepare a report on the European Commission’s proposed approach for the next round of European funds, known as the Common Strategic Framework.

The CSF is being considered as a key proposal that the Commission believes will lead to more efficient use of the structural, cohesion, agriculture and fisheries funds, which together cover about 42 per cent of the EU budget.

The document sets out how the funds could be coordinated to make sure investments on the ground lead to the achievement of Europe’s growth strategy, which has been dubbed Europe 2020.

This general objective is translated through a set of 11 thematic objectives that include the competitiveness of SMEs, innovation, the adaptation to climate change and social inclusion.

The proposed CSF approach marks a departure from what happens now where each fund has its own distinctive objectives and different EU funds cannot be used for the same project.

This approach has been criticised as having caused unnecessary difficulties to member states when using the funds.

It also led to the undertaking of projects having little or no value.

With the proposed CSF, a more focused approach will be adopted and the impact of the EU’s cohesion policy is expected to increase considerably.

Mr Mallia’s opinion for the EESC is expected to be concluded and adopted by November.