https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/4762 2026-04-12T16:28:19Z 2026-04-12T16:28:19Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/96188 2022-05-23T11:57:17Z 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: How the euro became our money : a short history of the euro banknotes and coins Abstract: Europe’s single currency – the euro – came into being on 1 January 1999. But it remained a “virtual” currency, mainly used by banks and the financial markets – for three years thereafter. For most people, it did not become a “real” currency, visible and tangible, until 1 January 2002. That was the starting date for the introduction of euro banknotes and coins. They are now an everyday fact of life for more than 300 million people in Europe. The introduction of the new cash in 12 European countries – like the launch of the currency itself – was a historic event, involving years of meticulous planning and preparation. “How the euro became our money” tells the story behind the history; it covers the long sequence of decisions and actions which took the cash from drawing board to printing plant, from central bank to wallet.

2007-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/4867 2016-01-06T09:08:39Z 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Expert evaluation network delivering policy analysis on the performance of cohesion policy 2007-2013, Year 2–2012 : Task 1 : Financial engineering : Malta Abstract: In 2010, the Managing Authority (MA) in Malta launched the first Financial Engineering Instrument (FEI) under Cohesion policy, taking the form of a loan guarantee scheme entitled the JEREMIE First Loss Portfolio Guarantee Product. This addresses a “financing gap” in Malta wherein enterprises, particularly micro and small, face difficulties in obtaining the necessary financing from banks due to their above-average credit risk and lack of collateral. The JEREMIE scheme utilises funds under Operational Programme (OP) I, Priority Axis (PA) 1 entitled “Enhancing Knowledge and Innovation”, and comprises a holding fund of EUR 10 million to be managed by the European Investment Fund (EIF). The current banking structure in Malta makes such forms of FEIs particularly successful. The JEREMIE scheme is currently the only FEI financed through ERDF in Malta. Although this is true, FEIs, financed through local funds, are not new to the Maltese economy. Unlike loan guarantee schemes, however, not all FEIs have proven to be suitable to the local economy. Venture Capital (VC) funds, for instance, are not economically viable for small ventures that are not engaged in cutting edge innovation. The local authorities realize that although FEIs may effectively generate growth potential for SMEs, non-refundable assistance is still necessary given Malta’s economic structure. Prior to EU accession, non-refundable assistance mainly took the form of tax credits which have been highly successful in retaining investment in Malta as well as attracting new investors to operate locally. Upon EU membership, through improved Community funding opportunities, Malta was better able to diversify its portfolio of assistance to industry and began to offer other forms of nonrefundable assistance, mainly grants. These may be more useful in helping businesses that need imminent and short-term assistance, such as start-ups and micro businesses. Since this type of assistance was lacking prior to EU accession, the authorities have focussed more of their resources on non-refundable assistance in the current programming period under OP I Description: Acknowledgement: The University of Malta would like to acknowledge its gratitude to the European Commission, Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy for their permission to upload this work on OAR@UoM. Further reuse of this document can be made, provided the source is acknowledged. This work was made available with the help of the Publications Office of the European Union, Copyright and Legal Issues Section.; Version: Final

2013-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/4846 2016-01-06T14:08:19Z 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Convergence report 2007 on Cyprus, convergence report 2007 on Malta, May 2007 Abstract: Article 122(2) of the Treaty requires the Commission and the ECB to report to the Council at least once every two years, or at the request of a Member State with a derogation, on the progress made by the Member States in fulfilling their obligations regarding the achievement of economic and monetary union. This report has been prepared in response to the request of Cyprus, submitted on 13 February 2007 and on the request submitted by Malta on 27 February 2007. The content of the reports prepared by the Commission and the ECB is governed by Article 121(1) of the Treaty. This Article requires the reports to include an examination of the compatibility of national legislation, including the statutes of its national central bank, and Articles 108 and 109 of the Treaty and the Statute of the ESCB and of the ECB (ESCB Statute). The reports must also examine whether a high degree of sustainable convergence has been achieved in the Member State concerned by reference to the fulfilment of the convergence criteria (price stability, government budgetary position, exchange rate stability, long-term interest rates), and by taking account of several other factors mentioned in the final subparagraph of Article 121(1). The four convergence criteria are developed further in a Protocol annexed to the Treaty (Protocol No 21 on the convergence criteria). Description: Acknowledgement: The University of Malta would like to acknowledge its gratitude to the European Commission, Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs for their permission to upload this work on OAR@UoM. Further reuse of this document can be made, provided the source is acknowledged. This work was made available with the help of the Publications Office of the European Union, Copyright and Legal Issues Section.

2007-01-01T00:00:00Z