Brussels, 06/09/2002 (Agence Europe) - The first deputy level negotiations meeting on enlargement since the summer holidays began late afternoon on Monday with the closure of the regional chapter with Malta. Once Member States had established their common positions, followed by that of Malta, they then accepted the position presented by the Commission. Malta is expected to be eligible for Objective 1 (aid to regions that are late in developing), Cohesion Funds (aid for the construction of infrastructure for less developed countries), Interreg (co-operation between regions), and Equal (social programme). Its territory is particularly small compared to the juggernauts like Poland and Malta should receive a percentage of funds accorded to new Member States: 0.4% of Objective 1 aid, 0.2%-0.4% of Cohesion Funds, 0.6% of Interreg and 0.5% from Equal. These percentages are valid for the period 2004-2006 and are calculated on the basis of the accession of the ten new Member States in 2004, as well as on the GDP of each region during the period 1997-1999. If new data is available by the time of the conclusion of negotiations, these figures could be re-examined. They will then be definitive until 31 December 2006, at the end of the programming period for all Member States. Maltese and European negotations have also opened on the agricultural chapter. They were unable to conclude the veterinary and phytosanitary chapter because the Commission is till awaiting Malta's response on respect for sanitary rules in their dairy factories, explained a Danish diplomat. The customs chapter was also discussed.