Today the European Parliament voted in favour of the 'European Fund for Strategic Investment' (EFSI), which will finance projects selected to give Europe an economci boost under the Juncker Plan for Investment. MEP Miriam Dalli, the lead negotiatior for the Environment Committee in the European Parliament, was in charge of formulating the environmental criteria for the project selection.

Dr Dalli's work lead to the establishment of a number of criteria on which projects should be selected and include investments that ensure the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, renewable technology, clean energy, energy efficieny, environmental protection, sustainable development and innovation in the Health Sector.

Whilst addressing the European Parliament before the vote on the EFSI was taken, Miriam Dalli stated that we must start to invest in projects and initiatives that are environmentally and socially sustainable, if we truly want to make a positive difference in the lives of present and future generations.

In reference to the scope of the Juncker Plan, which is set to inject €315 into the European Economy, Dalli said that economic growth and newly created job opportunities must be felt in all European Member States, large and small.

Dalli said that due to today's challenges, such as climate change, more than ever before we must create investment through projects which are both innovative, and sustainable and which help ascertain resource efficiency and a low-carbon economy.

Miriam Dalli said that as the rapporteur for the Environment Committee she would like to see the implementation of projects focusing on renewable technology, clean energy, electric transport and circular economy in particular in those countries where such investment is still missing.

“Austerity on its own has left no long term results and it is an economy which aims to achieve sustainable growth that can truly make a difference,” Dr Dalli concluded.