Initiatives meant to reduce red tape in the public sector and improve governance standards are in the pipeline as part of an EU-funded €15 million project.

The project was announced on Wednesday by EU funds parliamentary secretary Aaron Farrugia.

Addressing a news conference at Auberge d’Aragon in Valletta, Dr Farrugia said the 16 initiatives were part of government’s commitment to reduce bureaucracy.

Asked for further details he said that some 4,500 people from entities such as the National Audit Office, the Arts Council, the University, the Malta Standards Authority and the healthcare sector would be trained. 

A number of social partners, such as the General Workers’ Union, the Malta Employers Association and the Malta-EU Steering Action Committee would also benefit.

Mr Farrugia said that the overriding objectives would be to meet national policy reforms targets, capacity building and improve efficiency in public services.

The financing of this measure would be through an €11 million grant from the European Social Fund while the remaining €4 million would come from government funds.