Who manages the funds?

Deputy Prime Minister

Hon. Chris Fearne is the Deputy Prime Minister of Malta and the Minister for EU Funds, Social Dialogue and Consumer Protection.

Before entering the political arena, DPM Fearne worked as a doctor and surgeon for over 30 years during which he held the position of Consultant Paediatric Surgeon and Clinical Chairman at Mater Dei Hospital. He received his formal education at the University of Malta graduating in Medicine and Surgery in 1987, becoming a Fellow of The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

Chris is  married to Astrid and they have 3 children, Dawn, Julian and Rafael and a grandchild.

Permanent Secretary (EU Funds)

Mr Jonathan Vassallo joined the Public Service in 2006 as a Programme Manager within the Planning and Priorities Coordination Division (PPCD). Subsequently, he was appointed Senior Manager within the same Division and then appointed Director General of the PPCD in 2011. In October 2022, Mr. Vassallo was appointed Permanent Secretary for European Funds.

He studied Public and Private Sector Management, specialising in Public Policy, at the University of Malta.

Planning and Priorities Coordination Division

The Planning and Priorities Co-ordination Division was set up in March 2001 as part of the administrative infrastructure required to manage the pre- and post-accession funds allocated to Malta by the European Union (EU). PPCD aims to ensure the efficient absorption and management of European assistance, particularly in relation to Cohesion Policy, through effective co-ordination across Government Departments, Authorities, Agencies and other stakeholders.

Funds and Programmes Division

The Funds and Programmes Division (FPD) was set up in July 2011 as part of an administrative structure required to handle the management of EU Funds and other Funds  allocated to Malta, and to provide guidance and support to the focal points of the EU and other Programmes that are managed directly by the European Commission or other EU institutions. The Funds and Programmes Division is made up of two Directorates namely the Fisheries, Home and Direct Funds Directorate, and the Agriculture Funds Directorate​​​. A Direct Funds unit within the FPD has also been set up with the aim of increasing participation of direct management funds in Malta.

Strategy and Implementation Division

The Strategy and Implementation Division (SID) is responsible for the development of plans, programmes and strategies related to European and other Funds. The Division is also responsible for coordinating the positions required at EU level on EU funding policies, and the payments to beneficiaries and their contractors arising from European funds. In addition, the Division performs the Accounting function as delineated in the new Cohesion Policy Programme 2021-2027, with the responsibility of certifying and requesting funding from the European Commission. The Division is also responsible for coordinating evaluations and communication activities across EU Funds.

Measures and Support Division

The Measures and Support Division (MSD) aims to ensure the effective administration and implementation of EU funded support Measures to Enterprises, through effective liaison with internal and external stakeholders. Setup in 2015, the Division is mandated to ensure the strategic management, administration and implementation of EU funded Measures to support Enterprises by taking up the function of Intermediate Body in terms of Article 123 (6) of EC Regulation 1303/2013, for measures funded through the European Regional Development Fund 2014-2020, and acting as the National Contact Point for the implementation of aid measures funded through Structural Funds 2014-2020.

Servizzi Ewropej f’Malta

Servizzi Ewropej f’Malta – SEM, was established as an agency in terms of the Public Administration Act (Cap. 595) by Legal Notice 445 of 2020 (S.L. 595.23).

The functions of the agency reflect its mission, namely to serve as a gateway to EU funds in Malta and Gozo, making it easier for citizens and organisations to reap the benefits of EU membership through EU funds.

SEM informs individuals and organisations about the latest EU funding opportunities and of the benefits of EU funds to Maltese society, assist in the submission of competitive project applications, and support successful applicants in implementing their projects.

European Union Programmes Agency

The European Union Programmes Agency (EUPA), is a legal autonomous Agency established through the Legal Notice 128 of 2007. The aim of the EUPA has always been to support individuals and entities in availing themselves of funding under the various educational programmes provided by the European Commission.

The Agency acts as a link between the European Commission and project promoters both at national as well as the local level, and promotes as well as manages EU projects of an educational nature, content or objective. The EUPA engages itself in initiatives that are consonant with the educational policies and strategies of the Ministry responsible for education.