The measures undertaken so far (to complete mitigation actions before a European Commission visit) indicate “considerable progress in the most critical areas” that led to the suspension of two EU student mobility programmes, a spokesperson for the Commission told The Malta Independent, when contacted.

At the beginning of last month, this newspaper had reported the Commission saying that subject to the completion of the agreed mitigation actions, Commission officials will be visiting Malta, possibly in October.

This will in fact be happening.

The Commission had also reiterated its wish to support the Maltese authorities in resolving problems which had been looming over recent years.

The EU funds for the Lifelong Learning and Youth in Action Programmes were suspended in May after shortcomings were registered in key compliance areas. The suspension was preceded by numerous warnings from the EC.

Commission officials plan to carry out an “on-the-spot check in Malta” in two weeks’ time, specifically from 26 to 29 October.

“The aim of the visit is to verify whether the measures which have been undertaken, are sufficient for the Commission to lift the suspension (of the funds),” the Commission spokesperson said.

The European Commission has now concluded its preliminary analysis of measures carried out by the Maltese authorities as part of an agreed action plan, he added. The aim of this is to ensure that the national agency responsible for running the Lifelong Learning and Youth in Action Programmes in Malta, the EUPA, puts in place:

• A reliable accounting system up to minimum EU quality standards

• A grant award procedure which ensures fair and equal treatment of beneficiaries and

• Proper checks to ensure the correct use of EU grants.

Maltese students were entitled to receive €3.4 million from the EU budget to finance mobility projects this year. The money for projects which were not approved by 7 May were suspended after the European Commission identified a series of irregularities at the EUPA.

Malta was entitled for €2.3 million under the Lifelong Learning Programme and €1.1 million under the Youth in Action Programme. Maltese individuals and organisations whose projects were approved by EUPA before 7 May, and others which were granted through another agency (in Brussels or in another country) were not affected.

Malta has reported to the Commission about the work carried out in summer. Following the meeting between Education Minister Dolores Cristina and Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou in Brussels on 8 June, a technical meeting between Maltese and EC officials took place on 23 June during which they agreed on a detailed action plan.

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