European Commission Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms Raffaele Fitto is in Malta for a two-day visit centred on the implementation of EU cohesion policy, the future of post-2027 funding, and major EU-backed infrastructure projects, with the second Malta-Sicily electricity interconnector emerging as the key focal point.
During meetings held on Wednesday and continuing on Thursday, Fitto met Prime Minister Robert Abela and held talks with ministers responsible for EU funds, energy, Gozo and planning. Discussions focused on how cohesion policy is being used in Malta and how it can continue to support investment and development in the coming years, while also touching on the forthcoming EU Strategy for Islands.
The European Commission described the visit as an opportunity to assess how cohesion policy is being implemented locally and how it can help build a "more competitive and resilient Europe".
Fitto highlighted the importance of EU-funded projects in Malta and Gozo, saying they are already making "a concrete contribution" to resilience and competitiveness while strengthening cohesion across the bloc.
A central part of the visit was an inspection of the works related to the second electricity interconnector between Malta and Sicily, known as IC2, which is the largest cohesion policy investment ever made in Malta. The project is intended to double Malta's existing electricity interconnection capacity and is being presented by both Brussels and the Maltese government as a strategic investment in national energy security.
During a site visit to the EU-funded works in Magħtab, Fitto was briefed on progress both in Malta and in Sicily. Officials said that in Sicily, half of the trenching works along a 20.7-kilometre route have now been completed, while in Malta 66% of trenching works are complete. Recent works at the Magħtab terminal station included the installation of terminations and plugs.
Fitto described the second interconnector as a "flagship project", saying it would also benefit from the mid-term review of cohesion policy. He said the project would strengthen Malta's energy security while supporting the uptake of renewable energy and increased electrification.
The government also used the occasion to underline the broader role of the project within Malta's energy plans. Energy Minister Miriam Dalli said the country's strategy is advancing through investments in the distribution network, renewable energy, battery storage and the second interconnector, with the aim of improving security of supply and diversifying the energy mix.
European Funds Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi said the €300 million project is co-financed through the European Regional Development Fund and forms part of Malta's transition to a cleaner and more resilient energy system.
In his meeting with Fitto at Castille, Prime Minister Robert Abela said cohesion policy remains essential for Malta, particularly in supporting infrastructure, skills, economic diversification and social inclusion. He also stressed the particular realities faced by small island and peripheral member states, including challenges linked to insularity, connectivity, water security and energy.
Against the backdrop of discussions on the EU's post-2027 financial framework, Abela called for a more flexible and proportionate system so that cohesion policy continues to deliver "concrete and valuable results" for citizens.
Fitto is also due to visit the reverse osmosis plant at Ħondoq ir-Rummien in Gozo and the restored Citadel, both supported through EU cohesion funding.