€42 million in EU funding is being provided for transport infrastructure, the European Commissioner for Transport, Violeta Bulc, said on Friday.
Speaking at a press conference, Bulc said she was very pleased to see Malta progressing in transport infrastructure. “I visited the Marsa Junction and I am very happy to see that the development is steady and going well.”
On Friday morning, the EU commissioner had a meeting with Transport Minister Ian Borg to discuss the progress of ongoing transport projects that are being funded by the EU. She said that the meeting was quite an important step forward as it reconfirmed the importance of transport issues.
“We are proud that Malta is efficient in its performance, especially in maritime development.”
Transport Minister Ian Borg said that the government is very proud of its work in the transport sector, including all the challenges and opportunities it faces.
Borg said it is important that the island gets the transport and infrastructure it deserves. One project which is being funded by the EU is the Marsa Junction Project, which is going into its third phase.
“The investment in maritime is a must, as we are the gateway and our ports play an important role in connectivity,” Borg said.
He also mentioned that the Malta-Gozo tunnel, with the plans having been reviewed by the European Commission. Borg said the Government is fully committed to towards the permanent tunnel to improve the daily life of Gozitans and Maltese.
During the press conference, European Affairs Minister Helena Dali also praised the Transport Ministry’s work and the EU Commissioner, so as to continue productive work in the future. European Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fishers Karmenu Vellu said that apart from improving maritime development, there must be continuous work on developing environmental sustainability strategies for the maritime industry.