Malta is one of just two member states that missed out on EU funds aimed at helping organisations mount campaigns against violence in sports and organise themselves better.

National sports organisations from all member states except Malta and Lithuania have come together to make joint proposals for 12 trans-European projects selected for funding by Brussels. Some member states, including small ones like Cyprus and Estonia, even managed to have their organisations selected in more than one project. Maltese sports organisations failed to take advantage of this opportunity and none took the initiative to tap the new EU funding, a European Commission spokesman said.

As consolation, the spokesman said Maltese organisations would have the possibility of tapping a new €35 million annual sports fund that would be approved later this month. EU officials said Maltese sports organisations had to start preparing their detailed projects as of now if they wanted to have their projects selected.

“EU funds are not straightforward and the Commission is adamant on selecting the best professionally-designed projects. Competition from sports organisations is expected to be tough and Maltese organisations need to pull up their socks if they want to be selected.”

The 12 transnational projects selected will be funded by the EU in amounts of between €125,000 and €200,000.

They form part of a package of preparatory actions intended to pave the way for the annual fund supporting local campaigns promoting physical activity, social inclusion through sport and the fight against doping.

Projects selected support innovative transnational networks focused on the prevention of violence and discrimination and promoting respect for fundamental European values in sport, among others.