EU funding in Gozo : an analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation is to analyse the process of applying for European Union Funding from the perspective of Gozitan entities having benefitted from European Union Funds and to identify any discernible limitations encountered. This study further aims to identify any possible difficulties that have deterred Gozitan entities from applying for European Union Funds and also to evaluate the involvement of Government institutions in the process embarked by Gozitan entities towards applying for European Union Funds. Design: The aforementioned objectives where attained by way of a systematic analysis to pertinent literature, alongside thirty-two semi-structured and in-depth interviews held with various entity representatives ranging from funding entities to both benefitting and non-benefitting candidates. Findings: This study revealed that European Union Funding applications require significant amount of planning irrespective of the type of entity. Entities did not embark on such processes blindly but appropriate feasibility studies where carried out. Notwithstanding the numerous opportunities granted through European Union Funds, quite a few weaknesses were also recognised. Besides, the absorption of European Union Funds varied across different entities, with Gozitan Local Councils and Ministry being the top absorbers while Non-Governmental Organisations, who were relatively new to the process were rather conservative. Findings further showed that many funding entities served as the backbone behind potential beneficiaries but further improvements should be targeted to better address their needs. Conclusion: Overall this study inferred that while both funding programmes and calls are unique in their very own nature, numerous parallel connections could b One common pattern in each European Union Funding application was the element of financial support granted to beneficiaries allowing them to embark on capital projects so as to address the many challenges emanating from Gozo's small size and double insularity. Despite the many opportunities stemming from European Union Funds, many entities among which Gozitan Local Councils, Non-Governmental Organisations and Ministry considered the whole process as cumbersome and rather bureaucratic, especially in relation to the great ordeal of documentation involved and the duration of the adjudicating process among others. These deterred the participation rate even though Malta-EU Steering and Action Committee representatives thrived to overcome such elements to thus ease the EU Funding process. However, most Local Councils, Non-Governmental Organisations and Gozitan Ministry considered European Union Funds as the most worthwhile option to finance major capital projects rather than raising finances on a national level or through other sources of finance. Value: It is believed that this research study will be useful especially to Gozitan Local Councils, Non-Governmental Organisations and Ministry when embarking on European Union Funding processes in order to learn from others' weaknesses as well as to Local Authorities who will better understand Gozo's absorption of European Union Funds together with the benefits and limitations surrounding the process itself.