The first three years of European Union membership have seen the co-financing of projects and initiatives taking place in Gozo benefiting, among other sectors, tourism, agriculture, the fishing sector, infrastructure, environment, education and employment, small and medium sized enterprises, voluntary organisations, local councils and youth.

This was stated by the Hon. Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo and the Hon. Michael Frendo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, during a joint press conference held yesterday and during which a publication entitled L-Unjoni Ewropea Ghalija – Ghawdex was launched. The publication provides information about projects that were implemented in Gozo, not only through 10% of the funds under the Structural Funds Programme for Malta 2004-2006 that were specifically earmarked for Gozo, but also through additional funding that the island managed to obtain through several other measures, schemes and programmes launched on a national basis.

Dr Gabriella Pace, Chief Executive Forum Malta fl-Ewropa, said that besides disseminating information on opportunities for financial assistance through European Union funding programmes, Forum has since its inception given importance to the propagation of experiences by individuals, enterprise, local councils and non-government organisations who have benefitted from EU funds. In fact, this publication, which also happens to be the first in the series which will be published by Forum Malta fl-Ewropa, focuses on the experiences of Gozitans who have successfully tapped EU funds.

Both Minister Frendo and Minister Debono reiterated that L-Unjoni Ewropea Ghalija – Ghawdex showcases the success that our country has made out of European Union membership in the first three years. The publication is clear proof that Gozitan projects have been a success not only in as far as those which were led by Government but also through the enterprise of several non governmental organisations, businesses, individuals and local councils that took the opportunities on offer.

L-Unjoni Ewropea Ghalija – Ghawdex is a joint Ministry for Gozo and Forum Malta fl- Ewropa publication. It will be distributed to all households in Gozo in the coming days while copies may be obtained from Forum Malta fl-Ewropa’s office in 280 Republic Street, Valletta and the Ministry for Gozo in St Francis Square, Victoria.