The EU’s Cohesion Policy aims to promote harmonious and sustainable development across the EU and to reduce socio-economic disparities between the regions.
For the period 2007-2013, the EU is investing approximately 35% of its total budget on Cohesion Policy.
The Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund are the main financial instruments of Cohesion Policy.
There are two Structural Funds during the 2007-2013 period, namely: the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF).
These funds are complemented by the Cohesion Fund.
Malta’s Strategy for Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
A total of €855 million worth of EU funds has been allocated for Cohesion Policy 2007-2013 in Malta. This consists of:
| ERDF | € 444 million |
| Cohesion Fund | € 284 million |
| ESF | € 112 million |
| European Territorial Cooperation Programmes (ERDF) | € 15 million |
Member States and regions which are classified under the convergence objective, can obtain a maximum EU co-financing rate of 85% of the total eligible cost of projects. This is complemented by national co-financing.
Malta’s strategy for Cohesion Policy is based on a thorough research, analysis and consultation process which started in early 2005.
It is also inter-linked with other strategic documents, including the National Reform Programme, the National Strategy for Rural Development and the National Fisheries Strategic Plan.
The goals and strategic priorities for Cohesion Policy 2007-2013 in Malta are identified by Malta’s National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF), which was approved by the European Commission in December 2006. Malta was the first member state to obtain approval for its NSRF.
The Operational Programmes and Territorial Cooperation Programmes
The strategy set out in the NSRF forms the basis of two programmes which each set out the framework within which Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund will be spent in Malta and Gozo between 2007-2013. These are:
Malta is also participating in five Territorial Cooperation Programmes which are financed by the European Regional Development Fund. These programmes have their own Operational Programme documents and aim to encourage crossborder, transnational and territorial cooperation across EU member states and regions.
The Structural Funds and Cohesion Fund are complemented by three new Joint Cohesion Policy Initiatives for investment, growth and jobs in the Member States and regions.
Contacts
The Managing Authority for Cohesion Policy 2007-2013 is the Planning and Priorities Coordination Department (PPCD). PPCD is also the National Contact Point for the Territorial Cooperation Programmes.
For general queries or further information, email our Online Helpdesk or refer to our Staff Directory.
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Last Updated: 10.06.08