MEP Marlene Mizzi is the first Maltese MEP appointed as an ambassador for the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs Programme 2016-2017.

The programme is a pan-European cross-border mobility scheme for entrepreneurs, providing new or aspiring entrepreneurs with a chance to apply for a training in small or medium-sized enterprises of their colleagues from other participating countries.

“I am honoured to become an ambassador part of the MEPs network mobilised to support and promote the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs’ Programme. My role as an ambassador will be to help improve the visibility of the programme in Europe and to promote entrepreneurial spirit”, said MEP Mizzi.

“The programme provides a unique opportunity for newly established entrepreneurs to go abroad, for a period of 1 to 6 months, to collaborate with already successful and experienced entrepreneurs and to develop skills and competences invaluable for their future or newly established business,” said MEP Mizzi in describing the advantages of the programme.

MEP Marlene Mizzi, an entrepreneur herself, said: “Raising awareness of this initiative in Malta is extremely important, because currently there is no Intermediary Organisation to provide information and assistance, to start-ups and entrepreneurs, on how to use the programme and what are the conditions in the different Member States, including in Malta.”

“In the seven years since its launch, the programme has become extremely successful in helping more than 13,000 participants around Europe. A number of successful projects of Maltese start-ups and entrepreneurs completing the programme abroad has proved to be very positive for our companies. However, I also believe that Maltese companies could bring invaluable expertise in the exchange of experience with foreign companies that wish to come to Malta” said MEP Mizzi.