Malta has been allocated EUR8.55 million of EU structural funds for the next seven years, aimed to help sectors such as education, employment, training, cultural activities, health and the environment, which will include the participation of society, especially NGOs.

Finance parliamentary secretary Tonio Fenech said SOS Malta would be helping organisations learn the use of the mechanisms involved in applying for the funds and using them. NGOs will include trade unions and local councils.

The project, Structural Funds Training and Technical Assistance Programme for NGOs and Civil Society Organisations – 2007, will include training in various subjects such as managing finances and public procurement. Examples will also be given of projects which have already been financed by structural funds, to give participants an idea of what type of projects can be submitted.

Mr Fenech said this type of technical assistance for NGOs was new and there were only a few governments in Europe which had helped such organisations technically.