Malta has received its first payment of €52.3 million under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF).
The European Commission issued the payment after the country achieved its targets and reforms which were approved by the Commission, the government said. Payments under the RRF are performance-based and depend on the implementation of investments and reforms outlined in the respective plans of the member states.
In a letter dated 3 March to Prime Minister Robert Abela, European Commission President Ursula von Der Leyen congratulated Malta "on the implementation of the first step of the Maltese National Recovery and Resilience Plan, namely the successful achievement of the first 19 milestones and targets of the plan linked to the implementation of major reforms and investments."
"The adoption of a construction and demolition waste strategy for Malta, the first steps in the renovation of public schools to make them more energy efficient, and the establishment of remote working offices for public service officials to reduce road traffic congestion, contribute to the green transition in Malta. The adoption of a smart specialisation strategy, which fosters business' research and innovation (R&I) and strengthens public-private cooperation, and the legislative amendments paving the way to the digitalisation of the law courts, represent important progress in Malta's digital transition. Finally, the numerous actions taken to strengthen the institutional framework, including the reforms concerning the fight against corruption and the increased independence of the judiciary contribute to enhanced rule of law as well as greater economic and social resilience in Malta. l am therefore pleased to announce that this paves the way for the disbursement of EUR 52.3 million under the Recovery and Resilience Facility, following the disbursement of EUR 41.1 million in pre-financing in December 2021," the Commission President wrote. “This first positive step reflects both the quality of the Maltese plan and the joint commitment of Malta and the European Commission to make the Recovery and Resilience Facility a European success story.”
Economy Minister Silvio Schembri said that these funds are proof of the significant work Malta has done to implement a number of projects that are helping the country in concrete ways. "The €52.3 million from the RRF, which has been passed on to our country, will continue to be used to make a difference in the daily lives of the people, while at the same time ensuring a more resilient economy," Schembri said.
Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Chris Bonett recalled how in January, the President of the European Commission, Ursula Von Der Leyen, acknowledged the work of the Maltese government and gave a positive certificate for the country's work and efforts.
"With these funds, we will continue to complete more projects and investments for the benefit of Maltese and Gozitan families, while continuing to make the necessary changes," Bonett said.