EU funding and Maltese local councils : opportunities and constraints

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to analyse the opportunities and constraints that Maltese Local Councils encounter when tapping into EU funding opportunities. From a centralised system of governance during the colonial times, the country became divided into sixty-eight local government areas in 1993. Another sixteen mini-local Councils have just been recently set-up in addition to the original sixty-eight. As members of the European Union, the Maltese Local Councils are also exposed to EU funding opportunities through the use of Structural and Cohesion Funds. Malta has clearly indicated that it is benefiting from such opportunities since it is considered to be among the top performers with regards to managing such funds. Funding entities, such as MEUSAC, are also helping such beneficiaries in tapping into EU funds as much as possible. Furthermore, it has been pointed out that the majority of the Maltese Local Councils lack in human and financial resources. With regards to financial issues, Local Councils can apply for financial assistance making use of the co-financing fund. To date, a number of Local Councils are benefitting by making use of this method. On the other hand, in relation to human resources, the majority of the respondents have clearly pointed out that an EU consultant is to be recruited to solely focus on EU related projects. The Council does not have the appropriate skills, knowledge and expertise, and most importantly, not enough time to attend EU information meetings or filling in applications.