Too much leniency and a lack of accountability in the distribution of certain EU funds has prompted the European Commission to temporarily suspend two EU educational programmes.
The 2010 calls for proposals for the Youth in Action and Lifelong Learning programmes were suspended following a damning report which showed that refunds were not being tackled in a strict enough manner.
A spokesman for the education ministry stressed the issue had nothing to do with embezzlement. The alarm was raised because in some cases refunds were given to applicants who had not produced adequate receipts or documents proving they attended their activities.
"Our team worked overnight to rectify these administrative problems. We are already compliant, and we sent back a report for verification. Now the Commission has to send an auditor to ensure everything is fine and the programmes can be reopened," a ministry spokesman told The Sunday Times.
He added that Malta's Permanent Representative to the EU, Richard Cachia Caruana, was working to rectify the issue as soon as possible so as to limit as much as possible the number of students who would be affected by this suspension.
"We have nothing to hide. It is true, there was some carelessness. But as soon as it was brought to our attention we took action."
In a press statement issued last Thursday, Education Minister Dolores Cristina said that while disappointed about this development, she issued instructions for all steps to be taken without delay.
The ministry said a response from the Commission was expected in the coming weeks, and that all contractual obligations for previous calls for proposals would still be honoured.
The Labour Youth Forum yesterday expressed condemnation of those responsible for the lack of safeguards in the management of EU funds.
"Due to the irresponsibility of a few individuals, a large number of youngsters are going to miss out on the great opportunities that exist thanks to these programmes," the forum said, adding that those responsible for this embarrassing situation should be held accountable.
Students who spoke to The Sunday Times said they were concerned the situation would not be resolved in time for their proposed projects or trips abroad to be approved.
Depending on how long the suspension will be in place, some are risking not being able to further their studies abroad as part of the popular Erasmus programme, where students may spend a few months studying in a different European university.
University Students' Council president Carl Grech said he hoped the Commission would give Malta the green light to continue processing applications as soon as possible.
"The KSU is not directly affected because we do not often apply for such programmes but I know several other student organisations have applications in process."
The ministry said those who requested more information could call on 2558 6130.