EU Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto visits IC2 EU‑Funded works
50% of trenching works in Italy completed
EU Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms Raffaele Fitto visited the ongoing IC2 EU‑funded works in Magħtab during an official site visit together with Minister Miriam Dalli, Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, and ICM Chief Executive Officer Ing. Ismail D’Amato.
Executive Vice‑President Fitto reviewed the progress of the project and discussed how EU cohesion funding continues to support Malta’s long‑term infrastructural and resilience objectives.
During the visit, the delegation was briefed on the substantial advances achieved both locally and in Italy, where, in Sicily from a 20.7km route, half of the trenching works have now been completed, marking an important step forward in the cross‑border infrastructure link essential for enhancing national energy security. Parallel progress is also being registered on the subsea element of the project. Moreover, in Malta, 66% of the trenching works are completed with recent works carried out at Maghtab involving the installation of terminations and plugs in the Maghtab terminal station.
Throughout the on‑site discussions, the EU Executive Vice‑President and Maltese Ministers emphasised the strategic relevance of the investment, both for Malta’s energy infrastructure and for broader EU cohesion objectives.
“The second electricity interconnector between Malta and Sicily is a flagship project and the largest EU-funded cohesion policy investment in Malta to date. The project will be further supported through the mid-term review of cohesion policy, and it will strengthen energy security while supporting the uptake of renewables and increased electrification,” Executive Vice-President Fitto said.
Minister for Environment and Energy, Miriam Dalli reaffirmed the government’s direction by stating: “The ongoing implementation of Malta’s energy strategy continues to advance through a series of high‑impact projects. Significant investments are being directed toward strengthening the distribution network, supporting the growth of renewable energy, expanding battery storage capabilities, and progressing on the development of the second interconnector. These combined efforts are designed to reinforce energy security while enabling a more diversified and sustainable energy mix.”
Minister for European Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi said “IC2 plays a crucial role in advancing Malta’s transition to a cleaner and more resilient energy system. This major infrastructure investment, valued at €300 million and supported by European funds, is co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), underscoring a joint commitment to strengthening Malta’s energy sustainability and overall resilience within the wider European energy framework.”
The Second Interconnector serves as a cornerstone of the Government’s energy strategy, designed to double Malta’s interconnection capacity and significantly enhance security of supply.
Photos: DOI/MEEC/MFI
