The European Commission announced, on Friday 16 September, the adoption of the Partnership Agreement with Malta under the Cohesion Policy 2021-2027. The country will benefit from €817 million to move towards a competitive, inclusive, green and digital economy.
An amount of €417 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund will be spent on small and medium-sized enterprises and on stimulating the economy. A significant part will be invested in the development of a second electricity interconnection with Italy in the form of a submarine cable. In addition, €23.3 million (Just Transition Fund) will contribute decarbonising the Grand Harbour and Malta Freeport.
The agreement also includes more than €124.4 million from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). This investment will aim to improve access to employment for women and young people, as well as support green and digital education and inclusive education for vulnerable groups. Malta will also invest in its health systems through training, research and awareness-raising campaigns.
Lastly, €21.8 million (EMFAF) will be used to improve the resilience of the fisheries sector and facilitate its ecological transition.
This is the 21st agreement adopted. Agreements from Belgium, Spain, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia and Luxembourg are still pending. (Original version in French by Hélène Seynaeve)