During the inauguration of the new entrance to the European Services Malta (SEM) offices in Valletta, the Minister for European Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, reiterated that this event is much more than an inauguration, but is a celebration of the exceptional work and achievements that this agency has achieved over the past few years.
Between January and September 2025, SEM, together with the authorities managing European funds, organised 27 information sessions on funding opportunities across Malta and Gozo, attended by a wide range of participants, including farmers, fishermen, businesses and voluntary organisations.
From these sessions, SEM officials held over 400 individual meetings with clients wishing to apply for European funds, responded to over 1,000 requests for information and assisted in the submission of around 120 applications – results that testify to the continuous commitment and professionalism of the SEM team.
Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi stressed that “SEM today continues to be the human face of European funds by providing direction, support and opportunities to anyone who wants to make a difference.” He added that the agency’s work continues to strengthen trust between citizens and institutions through continuous communication and collaboration.
The Minister also thanked SEM’s Chief Executive Officer, Rodrick Zerafa, and the entire team for their continuous work, while praising the fact that this year the agency won the Public Service Quality Award 2025 and was chosen to represent Malta at the European Enterprise Promotion Awards to be held in Copenhagen next November.
“European funds remain an essential tool to continue building a stronger, more competitive and socially fair country. Through SEM, these funds are reaching our families, businesses and communities in an effective, transparent and sustainable manner,” concluded the Minister.
SEM’s CEO, Rodrick Zerafa, said, “This new entrance to SEM’s offices reflects the way we serve everyone who seeks our services. We seek to offer an environment of support, trust and collaboration from the building we operate from. We will continue to work to ensure that every organization and individual feels welcome and is helped to make the most of the opportunities offered by European funds.”
Photo: DOI-MFI
