Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Chris Bonett addressed a conference entitled “Navigating EU Direct Funds – Unlocking Financial Opportunities for Business.”
The conference, organized by the Malta Business Bureau (MBB) and the Maltese Council for Science and Technology (MCST) under the Enterprise European Network (EEN) project, addressed the opportunities for funding assistance that the European Union is offering small and medium businesses (SMEs) to regularize themselves in a more sustainable, digital, and resilient way. Parliamentary Secretary Chris Bonett said that despite the challenges the country has faced in recent times, we have managed to adapt, innovate and grow thanks to the work of the government hand in hand with the private sector.
“The health of the economy is based on how much it creates significant jobs for citizens. Through the use of European Funds, small and medium-sized businesses have the chance to enjoy financial support for training workers, improving technology, and expanding the market not only locally but also internationally,” he continued. He closed by emphasizing that the two instruments that are forming a strong economy are digitalization and sustainability. He stressed that it is therefore important that, with the help that is being given by the government and by European funds, businesses adapt these factors in their practices in order to contribute to the wider economic strategies of this country.
The President of the MBB Alison Mizzi emphasized that although several businesses have good projects and ideas with which they can benefit from European funds, they often find it difficult to find who will help them identify the particular fund they need. “We are here to give the necessary advice to these businesses to implement their ideas and connect them with whoever is responsible for helping them,” Mizzi concluded her speech.
The Chairman of the MCST Dr. Tonio Portughese also spoke where he said that “Innovation, digitalization, and sustainability are the main points that the European Union is emphasizing. The MCST has a specialized department, the Framework Program Unit, which is the main contact point on the Horizon Europe fund, with a budget of €95.5 billion.” He closed by mentioning the continuous commitment of the MCST to give all the necessary support in research and innovation which are a main source of economic growth.
Businesses interested in obtaining more information about the available schemes can send an email to magius@mbb.org.mt.
