A publication called L-Unjoni Ewropea Ghalija – Ghawdex was launched yesterday, when Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono and Foreign Minister Michael Frendo extolled the benefits Gozo had derived in the past three years of EU membership.

The publication provides information about projects that were implemented in Gozo, not only through 10 per cent of the funds under the Structural Funds Programme for Malta 2004-2006 that were specifically earmarked for Gozo, but also through additional funding that the island managed to obtain through several other measures, schemes and programmes launched on a national basis.

Gabriella Pace, chief executive of Forum Malta fl-Ewropa, said that besides disseminating information on opportunities for financial assistance through European Union funding programmes, Forum has since its inception given importance to the propagation of experiences by individuals, enterprise, local councils and non-government organisations who have benefitted from EU funds. In fact, this publication, which also happens to be the first in the series which will be published by Forum Malta fl-Ewropa, focuses on the experiences of Gozitans who have successfully tapped EU funds.

Both Ministers Frendo and Debono reiterated that L-Unjoni Ewropea Ghalija – Ghawdex was clear proof of the success that Malta has made out of EU membership in the first three years. Dr Frendo said that through EU financial assistance Gozo has managed to overcome its double insularity.

L-Unjoni Ewropea Ghalija – Ghawdex is a joint Ministry for Gozo and Forum Malta fl-Ewropa publication. It will be distributed to all households in Gozo in the coming days while copies may be obtained from Forum Malta fl-Ewropa’s office at 280 Republic Street, Valletta and the Ministry for Gozo in St Francis Square, Victoria.