Over the last weeks I had the opportunity to highlight a number of EU-funded projects that were assisted by Servizzi Ewropej f’Malta - SEM. SEM, formerly known as MEUSAC, is a Government agency that offers a free service to various entities in order to submit proposals for European funds. 

I took the opportunity of the two events to point out that as from this year SEM is assisting organisations and entities not only in the application phase, but also in the implementation of the projects. This is an important service enabling projects with European funding to be carried out in accordance with the targets and objectives for which they were funded. A vital support for those who might be venturing in such an endeavour for the first time. 

Between 2018 and 2020 - 72% of the proposals that were submitted by local councils through SEM’s assistance were selected for funding. Meaning that through this time period the agency was crucial in helping communities benefit from EU funds on 66 projects submitted by 37 different local council. 

This year alone SEM already assisted 17 local councils in submitting their projects. Six of these were approved for funding already, with a further seven currently being adjudicated. 

For example, through the assistance of SEM the Marsaskala Local Council obtained European funds to implement a twinning project involving participants from localities from Malta, Italy, Germany, Poland and the Netherlands. 

At an event in Marsaskala, to promote SEM’s services I explained that such a project would bring European citizens from different countries closer together - reflecting the spirit of the currently ongoing Conference on the Future of Europe. With the EU facing an important time of renewal it is paramount that our local communities have a direct say in the future European project. This can only be done if we seek common solutions to address Euroscepticism and the integration of incoming communities into local ones. 

SEM is not only restricted to assisting local councils in fact, from 2019 to date, SEM has also helped 19 different government entities to submit a total of 27 applications for European Union funded projects, of which 17 have been selected. 

With SEM’s assistance, the Office of the Information and Data Protection Commissioner (IDPC), obtained European funding for an awareness campaign on the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and to provide assistance in its operation to businesses, specifically to SMEs. As part of this project, conferences will also be organized in Malta and Gozo for businesses and SME’s as well as seminars for data protection officers in the private sector. The aim of these conferences and seminars is to be informed about the rights and obligations under this law. 

This project also shows how European funds can be used to strengthen human resources, which in Malta is the greatest resource for economic growth and development of the country. 

I encourage mayors, councillors, private and public entities to follow the example set by the Marsaskala Local Council and the Office of the Information and Data Protection Commissioner and approach SEM in order to get an overview of what funding opportunities are available to them and how SEM can assist them to apply and implement their EU funded projects. 

Carmelo Abela is the Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister