The Malta EU Steering Action Committee core group discussed the National Reform Programme and the European Single Market Act at MEUSAC’s February meeting.

Martin Spiteri, director of the Policy Development Directorate of the Finance Ministry, said each EU state was asked to draw up a programme adapting the aims of the Europe 2020 strategy for intelligent, sustainable and inclusive expansion.

Malta has identified how far it can go by 2020 with regard to employment research and development, education, poverty and energy. The obstacles which could militate against these aims and the measures to be taken against that by the government were identified.

The measures include fiscal consolidation, pensions reform and infrastructural projects.

The theme of the European Single Market Act was presented by Ivan-Carl Saliba, assistant director at the directorate, who spoke about the legislation proposed to spur the single market. The EC has drawn up 50 action proposals to improve the workings of the single market and which must be introduced by 2012. The proposals affect companies, citizens and consumers. He said more importance is being given to the social aspect of the market.