The Cohesion Fund is a European Union structural instrument which has been helping Member States to reduce economic and social disparities and to stabilise their economies since 1994.

EU Member States whose gross national product (GNP) per capita measured in purchasing power parities is below 90% of the EU-average are eligible for the Cohesion Fund. Malta has been benefiting from the Cohesion Fund since it joined the EU in 2004.

The Cohesion Fund finances up to 85% of eligible expenditure of major projects involving the environment and transport infrastructure. This strengthens cohesion and solidarity within the EU.

In all, €21.9 million has been allocated to Malta for the period 2004-2006. Malta was the first New Member State to fully commit the funds allocated by the Cohesion Fund.

Projects funded by the Cohesion Fund 2004-2006

The Cohesion Fund in Malta is contributing to the following projects:

The Project Selection Process

Malta submitted project proposals to the European Commission. These applications included a detailed project description and explanation justifying the need for this project, an analysis of the feasibility and financing of the project and the impact it will have in socio-economic and environmental terms. All projects must comply with Community legislation in force, in particular the rules on competition, the environment and public procurement.

The Commission then analysed each application to ensure that all conditions for financing were met, particularly:

• the economic and social benefits generated by the project in the medium term, as demonstrated by a cost-benefit analysis,
• the project's contribution to achieving Community objectives for the environment and/or the Trans-European Transport Network,
• compliance with the priorities set by the Member State,
• the project's compatibility with other Community policies and consistency with operations undertaken by the Structural Funds.

Malta is responsible for implementing the projects in line with the Commission Decision, managing the funds, meeting the timetable, complying with the financing plan and, in the first instance, ensuring financial control. The Commission makes regular checks and all projects are subject to regular monitoring.

The Planning and Priorities Coordination Division is the Managing Authority for the Cohesion Fund 2004-2006.

Key Documents, Regulations and Background Information

• Download the Cohesion Fund 2004-2006 Manual of Procedures and Annexes: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5 and Part 6
• Download background information and the Cohesion Fund Regulations here.
  

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News and Upcoming Events

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