The theme for the first two days was how the environment can offer opportunities for economic growth and strengthen the EU’s competitiveness through eco-efficient innovations.

A number of chief executive officers from leading European companies, as well as representatives from other council formations, were also present.

Mr Pullicino explained that most of Maltese companies are small- and medium-sized enterprises. He proposed that the EU could help these companies grasp opportunities for eco-efficient innovations.

The EU could disseminate information and give advice on the best adopted technologies for SMEs. The possibility of establishing centres of excellence of eco-efficient innovations throughout Europe to be used as show cases was also discussed. These would also be available to other European neighbouring countries.

The theme on the final day was flood protection, prevention and mitigation. Discussions focused on the Communication that is being prepared by the European Commission for the purpose of developing a concerted European approach on flood protection.

In his intervention, Mr Pullicino said Malta experiences serious flooding arising from inetsne storms. He appealed to the council that the scope for any proposed strategy should include all forms of flooding, including flash floods.

The council recognised the minister’s concerns and stated that any strategy for flooding will include the different types of floods experienced by European member states.

The theme for the first two days was how the environment can offer opportunities for economic growth and strengthen the EU’s competitiveness through eco-efficient innovations.

A number of chief executive officers from leading European companies, as well as representatives from other council formations, were also present.

Mr Pullicino explained that most of Maltese companies are small- and medium-sized enterprises. He proposed that the EU could help these companies grasp opportunities for eco-efficient innovations.

The EU could disseminate information and give advice on the best adopted technologies for SMEs. The possibility of establishing centres of excellence of eco-efficient innovations throughout Europe to be used as show cases was also discussed. These would also be available to other European neighbouring countries.

The theme on the final day was flood protection, prevention and mitigation. Discussions focused on the Communication that is being prepared by the European Commission for the purpose of developing a concerted European approach on flood protection.

In his intervention, Mr Pullicino said Malta experiences serious flooding arising from inetsne storms. He appealed to the council that the scope for any proposed strategy should include all forms of flooding, including flash floods.

The council recognised the minister’s concerns and stated that any strategy for flooding will include the different types of floods experienced by European member states.