The MED Programme is launching the public consultation of the operational programme for transnational cooperation “MED” 2007-2013, as included in its mandatory strategic evaluation assessment (SEA). The strategic environmental assessment of the structural funds programmes for the 2007-2013 programming period is mandatory according to the Directive 2001/42/EC.

The general objectives of MED programme is to make the whole Med space a territory able to match its international competitors in order to ensure growth and employment for the next generations and to support territorial cohesion and actively intervene in favour of environmental protection in a logic of sustainable development.

These various objectives cannot be tackled efficiently, neither at the regional nor at a national scale: they require a significant effort in terms of transnational coordination and consultation.

The two documents are available on the website of the national coordinator of the MED programme, namely the Planning and Priorities Coordination Division, Office of the Prime Minister, Malta: www.ppcd.gov.mt, and from the transnational programme MEDOCC and ARCHIMED websites at the following addresses: www.interreg-medocc.org, www.interreg.gr/

en.

The general public and interested stakeholders are invited to consult the programme documents and to send comments and observations, to the SEA Audit Team by email to: [email protected] or by post to Dr Ing Christopher Ciantar, SEA Audit Team, c/o Ministry for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Barriera Wharf, Valletta, by not later than Friday 29 June.