Going beyond 10 million – EU funded Projects is a new publication showcasing a number of EU co-financed projects undertaken by NGOs, local councils and a selection of Government entities that received technical assistance by MEUSAC at the application stage. The publication consists of more than 120 pages and features information, photographs and interviews with the beneficiaries.
The new publication was launched today by Parliamentary Secretary for Consumers, Fair Competition, Local Councils and Public Dialogue Chris Said and MEUSAC Head Vanni Xuereb. Alison Camilleri, Head of EU Funding Unit, her predecessor Maria Schembri and Diane Saliba, Head of EU Policy and Legislation were also present for the launch of this new publication which took place at MEUSAC’s premises in Valletta.
MEUSAC has three main roles:
o Managing a consultation process on new EU legislative proposals and policies;
o Disseminating information on EU legislation, policies and funding opportunities;
o Providing technical assistance to local councils and non-governmanetal organisations (NGOs) on EU funded project applications.
Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said described MEUSAC’s work throughout the past three years as key in securing €13 million for the implementation of 92 EU funded projects. Local councils are responsible for 65 projects with an allocation amounting to €8.3 million. A number of NGOs have collectively acquired €3.2 million in funding for 19 projects. Another €1.5 million have been allocated for initiatives falling under the remit of 8 government entities. There are currently 40 pending applications to be evaluated by the respective managing authorities. Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said said that although MEUSAC’s EU Funding Unit carries out the most tangible aspect of its work, MEUSAC fulfills all of its other roles actively and admirably.
MEUSAC Head Vanni Xuereb explained how MEUSAC succeeded in achieving the goals set out by Government by securing the commitment by Government, political parties, local councils, constituted bodies and civil society towards the reaslisation of its aims; the allocation of resources by Government for the provision of a network of services that meet its clients’ needs; and the professional work being carried out enthusiastically by MEUSAC’s young and dedicated team. He also paid tribute to Maria Schembri’s leadership and to the contribution of all who have worked in the EU Funding Unit and expressed his full confidence in Alison Camilleri as MEUSAC’s new Head of EU Funding.
Dr. Xuereb also spoke about the many consultation sessions that are held. He then referred to the menas utilised for the dissemination of EU related information to the general public as well as to targeted audiences: the publication of a forthnightly newsletter in English – MEUSAC News (which is distributed with The Times); the production of a radio programme Sehemna fl-Ewropa (a weekly show on Radju Malta); its participation in various radio and TV programmes; articles in local newspapers and magazines; the organisation of seminars, conferences and public dialogues; www.meusac.gov.mt [1], www.funding360.eu [2] and www.tommy-rosy.eu [3] websites, as well as MEUSAC’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/meusacmalta [4] for regular updates about past and upcoming activities. Various events are also uploaded on the YouTube channel www.youtube.com/meusacmalta [5]. MEUSAC is also implementing a Joint Communication Plan outlining common EU funded actions that are agreed to with the European Commission and the European Parliament as a result of a Management Partnershiop agreement with the European Commission.
Representatives of 5 beneficiaries, assisted by MEUSAC at application stage, were present for the launch of the publication. The entities represented were: Dar AuSeppa Debono, InYGo, Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD), as well as the Hal Balzan and Had- Dingli local councils. Their representatives gave an overview of their projects and described how they sought MEUSAC’s technical assistance in the initial stages of the application process and in the drafting and submission of the application.
MEUSAC has two offices, one in Valletta and the other in Victoria. Copies of Going beyond 10 million – EU funded projects may be obtained from MEUSAC on 2200 3300 or by sending an email to info.meusac@gov.mt [6].
There are a total of 65 Local Councils projects for initiatives for youths; town twinning; embellishment of touristic zones and open spaces; and training courses. These amount to €8.3m.
Hal Kirkop, San Pawl il- Bahar, L-Ghasri, L-Isla, L- Gharb, San Lawrenz, M’Skala, L-Imqabba, Is- Swieqi, B’Buaa, L-Iklin, Il-Munxar, IS-surrieq, Il- Mosta, Ix- Xaghra, San Awann, Ghajnsielem, Ta’ Sannat, Il-Qala, Hal Gharghur, Had-Dingli, Hal Qormi, Hal Safi, HaS sebbua, L-Imaarr, Ta’ Xbiex, Il-Mellieha, Ta’ Kercem, In-Naxxar, IS- Zejtun, B’Kara, Hal Tarxien, Hal Balzan, Rahal Adid, Pembroke, Il-Floriana, Ir-Rabat (Malta) and Tas-Sliema.
The NGO’s to benefit with a total sum of €3.2 million over 19 projects are, Wirt Artna, Kinemastik, InYGO Network, Malta Tama Tnabar Association, Down Syndrome Association, Lions Club, Fondazzjoni Ulied Hal Qormi, Viticulture Organisation, SOS Malta, Malta Association for Local Councils Executive Secretaries, Permaculture Research Foundation, Paola Hibs, and Victim Support Group.
The Government entities to benefit with a total of €1.5 million over 8 projects are, MEUSAC, MCESD, Department of Local Government, Judicial Studies Committee, Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs (MRRA).