Despite Malta’s unprecedented economic growth, the country was nonetheless facing a number of challenges in the areas of environment, education, and innovation – and therefore still need EU funding, Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Aaron Farrugia insisted.

Addressing a conference in Budapest attended by European ministers, he criticised the European Commission’s initial proposal on Malta’s share of EU funds post-2020, saying that these were needed to consolidate and sustain, not halt or hinder, the economic growth which Malta has experienced in recent years.

He emphasised the need to prioritise the social element in the context of cohesion policy post-2020, such as accessibility and affordable accommodation, particularly in light of new realities such as an ageing population.

The Parliamentary Secretary explained that Malta is making continuous use of cohesion funds for a diverse number of projects and initiatives which directly impact Maltese and Gozitan families, such as the oncology centre, the two industrial parks in Ta’ Qali and Xewkija, €50 million for businesses, €40 for vulnerable persons, the one tablet per child scheme, and the restoration of fortifications including that of St Angelo and Ċittadella, the latter being a finalist in this year’s Regio Stars Awards.

Dr Farrugia spoke of the need for more flexibility in the allocation of funds, as well as the need for clear aims and considerations that go beyond a country’s GDP. The level of education, climate, the environment, and the level of innovation are all factors which should be considered in this regard, in order to ensure that EU funds make their way to citizens who need it most and in areas where they are also most needed.

His point was also emphasized at the Multi-Annual Financial Framework (MFF) at the General Affairs Council by Minister for European Affairs Helena Dalli. She noted that despite GDP being a good measurement, it was crucial to consider other peculiarities prevalent in regions and in member states which the GDP measurement did not take into account.

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