Malta is set to invest €6 million in eco-friendly transport for local councils, as part of the country's broader Climate Social Fund (CSF) strategy under the European Union's climate transition policy.
The announcement was made during a public consultation held specifically for local councils, attended by Minister for European Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi.
The initiative will fund electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, aiming to create community transport services tailored to vulnerable individuals. This move is part of a wider allocation of €60.5 million that Malta will receive between 2026 and 2032 under the EU's Climate Social Fund - a financial instrument intended to ensure a just and inclusive transition towards climate neutrality.
The consultation session, which brought together representatives from local and regional councils, was part of the ongoing effort to shape Malta's National Plan for the Climate Social Fund. Local councils were encouraged to contribute their ideas and feedback, reinforcing the government's commitment to community-level collaboration.
Speaking at the event, Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi highlighted the critical role local councils play in delivering tangible benefits to communities. "Local councils are instrumental in ensuring that targeted investment reaches where it's most needed and delivers social support to many people," he said.
The Minister underscored the importance of engaging stakeholders early in the planning stages of such initiatives. He praised the participation and commitment of those present, emphasising the value of designing a realistic and sustainable plan through dialogue and public input.
One of the key presentations during the session came from Debbie Cachia , Chief Officer for Strategic Coordination and Planning for EU Funds. She outlined the main elements of Malta's CSF plan, placing particular emphasis on the transport sector. According to Cachia, the €6 million investment will support the purchase of electric vehicles and the installation of related infrastructure by local councils, enabling them to offer transport services specifically designed to assist vulnerable residents.
In addition to the infrastructure investment, a public awareness campaign will also be launched to inform residents about the new services and promote their usage. The campaign is intended to maximise community uptake and reinforce behavioural shifts toward sustainable mobility solutions.
The initiative aligns with Malta's commitment to a green transition that leaves no one behind - a principle at the heart of the EU's CSF. The fund is specifically designed to support low-income and vulnerable populations who might otherwise be adversely affected by climate transition policies, such as increased energy or transport costs.