The ERDF, CF and JTF
funds provide an opportunity for Malta to invest in a number of areas,
including research and innovation (R&I), competitiveness and
digitalisation, natural resources and the environment, transport, education,
employment, health, tourism and urban development, which are of significant
importance in the socioeconomic development of the country. This
programme covers a total budget (EU + MT contribution) of around €994 million
that will support a new wave of initiatives with a view to bring about further
development in terms of competitiveness, environmental preservation and social
cohesion as well as to continue to address the recovery from the COVID-19
pandemic. The Programme will focus on the following priorities to support
investments in line with the priorities identified under different national
policies:
·
ERDF: A more competitive and smarter Europe
by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation and regional ICT connectivity;
· ERDF: Promoting clean and fair energy
transition, sustainable wastewater management and green investment;
· CF: Promoting sustainable water management,
a circular and resource efficient economy;
· CF: Sustainable urban mobility;
· CF: A more connected Europe by enhancing
mobility;
· ERDF: A more social and inclusive Europe
implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights;
· ERDF: A Europe closer to citizens by
fostering the sustainable and integrated development of all type of territories
and local initiatives;
· Just Transition.
One
of the projects of strategic importance is the development of a second
electricity interconnector, with an allocated budget of € 165 million. This
investment aims to address Malta’s needs in relation to improving its energy
grid resilience, security of supply and grid stability, while also considering
projections for energy demand. The second interconnector is foreseen to lead to
a lower long-term cost of electricity, lower carbon emissions and better
security of supply and is foreseen to have a capacity of 200MW.
Another
strategically important project is the provision of an onshore power supply, at
the Valletta Grand Harbour and at Malta Freeport, with a budget of € 33
million allocated. Investment will entail the connection of vessels to onshore
electricity power supply whilst berthing which will therefore no longer require
vessels to use their auxiliary engines, thus reducing emissions generated
into the air and noise pollution.
The Programme will
build on initiatives implemented under the previous programming periods and
will serve as a renewed impetus for investments in line with the scope of the
ERDF/CF/JTF Regulations and national ambitions. Resources will be mobilised to
facilitate access to finance for enterprises including through grants and
loans, in the areas of digitalisation, R&I, energy efficiency and the valorisation
of cultural heritage and tourism, amongst others. Support will also focus on
strengthening infrastructural development such as investments aimed to support
business development, R&I, clean energy, waste and water management, health
facilities, including in mental health and paediatrics, educational
institutions and transport infrastructure. Initiatives supported through these
Funds will also foster biodiversity protection and conservation, promote clean
mobility and support green infrastructure, whilst the decarbonisation of ports
and road transport will also play an important role in Malta’s transition
towards climate neutrality. The Programme will address Gozo horizontally across
the different priorities and will also support Gozo’s needs and opportunities
for sustainable urban development in a targeted manner.
The approved ERDF, CF, and JTF Programme
for Malta 2021-2027 may be found here.