European Services in Malta celebrated the fifth anniversary of its establishment with a commemorative event, during which the official launch of the new Policy Unit was also announced. This marks an important step in the agency’s development as it continues to strengthen the link between citizens, organizations and the European Union’s policymaking process.
Present for the occasion where Minister for European Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Program Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, the Permanent Secretary Jonathan Vassallo, along with former Chief Executive Offices of the agency. Also in attendance were representatives from various ministries and entities, together with organizations and stakeholders that have collaborated with European Services in Malta over the years.
The event served as an opportunity to reflect on the main achievements of Servizzi Européis f’Malta since its establishment on 25 March 2021, with a clear mission to bring the European Union closer to people and to make the opportunities and benefits offered by the European Union more accessible to citizens and organizations in Malta and Gozo. Over these five years, European Services in Malta has built its work around three main pillars: inform, engage and support.
Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi stated that, “European Services in Malta, in the last five years, have served as an essential reference point for information and guidance on opportunities offered by the European Union.” He continued by saying that the launch of the Policy Unit will encourage greater public participation in the EU policymaking process and will continue to strengthen Malta’s role in the development of EU policy. The Minister thanked the entire team at Servizzi Européis fMalta for their commitment and contribution, which led to the agency receiving several recognitions within the public service.
Rodrick Zerafa, Chief Executive Officer of Servizzi Européis fMalta explained that, “Over the past five years, Servizzi Européis fMalta has achieved significant results with more than 35 thematic campaigns, 115 information sessions, over 2,600 guidance meetings on different schemes, more than 5,000 public queries answered, and over 700 applications submitted with a value exceeding €150 million”. He went on to explain how these achievements are the result of a dedicated team working with passion and professionalism to deliver a quality service, as evidenced by the two awards received by the agency: the Public Service Quality Award and the National Supporting Business Award.
The Chief Executive Officer concluded by emphasizing that “While, in our first five years, we sought to bring the European Union and its opportunities closer to citizens, the next step is to strengthen the voice of Maltese citizens and organizations at the highest levels of the European Union, where key decisions are taken.”
From his end, Permanent Secretary Jonathan Vassallo stressed the importance of European Services in Malta to continue evolving in line with the needs of the country and its citizens. He underlined that the launch of the Policy Unit will strengthen public participation in the European Union’s policymaking process, while also continuing to build on the work that Servizzi Européis f’Malta has successfully carried out over the past five years.
During the event, it was explained that the new Policy Unit is not merely a new structure, but a natural extension of the agency’s mission. This unit will work to improve awareness of the EU’s work through simpler and more accessible information, strengthen the participation of Maltese citizens and organizations in discussions on EU policies, facilitate public consultations, and enhance collaboration with ministries, entities and relevant stakeholders.
Photos: MFI
