The Division of Planning and Priorities Coordination Office of the Prime Minister organised a national conference on the Cohesion Policy of the European Union 2007-2013. The conference had already been held in Malta. The conference in Gozo was attended by several participants from all socio-economic sectors in Gozo.

The conference dealt with the benefits that the island of Gozo has had advantage of through projects co-financed by European funds under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and European Social Fund (ESF), which are the main financial instruments of the Cohesion Policy of the EU 2007-2013.

The Policy aims to promote harmonious and sustainable development with the European Union and to reduce socio-economic disparities between various regions. For the period 2007-2013, the EU is investing about 35% of its total budget in the Cohesion Policy. For this period € 855 million of funding has been allocated by the European Union to Malta.

During the conference an explanation was given about the strategy for the two Operational Programmes in each of which is set the framework of how the Structural Funds and Cohesion Fund will be spent within the seven years. Both Operational Programmes in Malta seek to improve quality of life as well as enhance the skills for jobs. Other areas were also given priority such as education, employment, entrepreneurship, culture, tourism, environment and development in Gozo.

During the introduction, Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo, explained how the Government has allocated 10 percent of the funds of the European Union spent in Malta to Gozo. This will help Gozo remains on track leading to sustainable development in the context of what is the Government’s vision for Gozo to become an ecological island. She explained how co-financing projects carried out by European funds in the funding period 2004-2007 will serve as a basis for those that will be carried out 2007-2013 and how they will continue to address the priorities identified in both operational programmes. Minister Giovanna Debono praised the initiative of the Division of Planning and Priorities Coordination Office of the Prime Minister in organising this national conference, with a particular reference to Gozo.

She also explained how other major projects such as roads in Xlendi, Ta Pinu as well as the Mgarr road, as well as those related to restructuring in various areas including the Rundle Gardens, the second operating theatre and establishment of a Radiology dept at Gozo General Hospital, are other projects and schemes which benefit individuals and businesses in Gozo. Among those mentioned schemes were ETC and Malta Enterprise to assist in the employment area as well as other initiatives and schemes in the fields of education and tourism. Minister Giovanna Debono expressed satisfaction about the fact that after the first programming period, where Gozo had been allocated funds, all projects were completed within the stipulated time.. ‘This bodes well towards our second experience to again achieve the success we recorded in the past five years, Minister Debono concluded.

Parliamentary Secretary for Public Dialogue and Information, Chris Said, closed the conference with his address. He said that it is in the interest of the European Union that its member countries achieve high standards in every field to offer their citizens a better quality of life and progression.

Chris Said said that the majority of the 95 projects approved under the two Operational Programmes are being implemented. The Parliamentary Secretary made reference to small and medium businesses, which are the backbone of the Gozitan economy – with over 3500 SMEs that employ them almost 5000 people. He said that while the Government is helping them to look forward and be pro-active, we gained benefit from European funds. As the Government is delivering a promise to remain close to our small and medium enterprises, our companies, NGOs and our Local Councils. As well as entities in Gozo dedicated to aiding Gozitan interests.

The Parliamentary Secretary referred to the Gozitan Local Councils, which are an example for many Local Councils. They have been able to acquire funds that allow them to undertake projects not previously possible to perform. An example is the Gharb Local Council that is transforming the Mielah Valley area for recreational use by all Gozitans, enabled by European funds.

Chris Said closed by also mentioning other organisations that are making a success from the use of these funds, including the restoration of artwork at Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary amongst others.

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