EC law and policy on state aids and the possible effects on the Maltese legal position

Abstract

Areas identified by the Commission in the Avis as nE'f'ding reform prior to or on accession within the EC: . The Avis on Malta's Application to join the European Union states that the industrial sector in Malta can be divided into two categories: (i) The first consists of traditional industries. In this category we find a large numbers of small, barely competitive firms producing for the local market behind high protectionist walls. Of these, only a handful of the larger firms match up with similar Community enterprises. This category mainly covers the food industry, woodworking and furniture-making. (ii) The second consists of a number of export-oriented light industries. These are regarded as having high levels of productivity and quality standards. This category is dominated by electrical and electronic goods manufacturers and the production of integrated circuits and micro-assemblies. [excerpt]