I refer to the editorial entitled ‘Snip red tape to boost EU-funds take-up’ (December 2).

The editorial states that “when applying for EU funds, many small organisations find the process quite Draconian even when they decide to pay for expert advice on how to submit their projects to the EC for consideration”.

When the Malta-EU Steering and Action Committee (MEUSAC) was reactivated in 2008, it was given a specific mandate by government to assist local councils and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) with the application process for EU funds.

This assistance has been strengthened as outlined in the 2014 budget speech where it was announced that “From next year, MEUSAC will be strengthened, thus enabling it to assist NGOs in applying for European funds.”

MEUSAC assists NGOs and local councils to identify suitable funding programmes and specific calls for proposals that match their priorities; plan specific projects; and draw up applications for funding.

This service is provided free of charge and goes a long way towards helping local councils and NGOs, not just to surmount the challenges faced by these organisations in tapping EU funds, but also in benefitting from the opportunities offered by EU-funding programmes.

MEUSAC also holds targeted and general information sessions, one-to-one meetings with potential beneficiaries, and continuously disseminates information about EU-funding opportunities.

Since 2008 MEUSAC has helped local councils, NGOs and other public entities acquire almost €30 million in EU funds.

I urge any entity that requires such assistance to contact MEUSAC so that a meeting can be set up in the immediate future so as to explore how the NGO may benefit from EU funding.