To prove how complicated it is to bring a Leonardo student from France from 1 January to 31 May (five months) at our office in Valletta, I remember that first we had several months of discussions with the French student and the authorities; we also informed the MIC that we were going to bring a Leonardo student.

Then we received certain forms to be filled in on behalf of our association. However, these forms were so complicated as you have to sign for several responsibilities if something happens to the student and even to get the funds, and that is impossible.

So we decided not apply to bring students. Even to get involved in projects connected with the EU, our association is so small compared to our EU counterparts that we cannot apply, for instance, for the minimum sum which, if I am not mistaken, is Lm8,000.

I think the best solution is that Forum – Malta/Europe applies on our behalf and then distribute the money as before when there was the Tripartite Committee. Other large organisations, if they want, can do the deal themselves so that we small organisations will not prevent them from receiving bigger sums of money from the EU.

That is why participation in EU programmes is on the decline.

John Zammit,

President

Association for Men’s Rights

VALLETTA