Authorities and stakeholders at local and regional level have an important role to play in the achievement of the EU’s strategies for growth, jobs and sustainable development. The exchange, sharing and transfer of policy experience, knowledge and good practices will contribute to the success of this objective.

The European Territorial Cooperation Objective of the Structural Fund policies for the period 2007-2013 seeks to improve the effectiveness of regional development policies and contribute to economic modernisation and increased competitiveness of Europe through interregional cooperation.

The 16^th February will see the launch of the 2^nd call for project proposals under the MED Programme which will remain open until 13^th March 2009. With a budget of more than 250 billion euros, the Programme covers the coastal and Mediterranean regions of nine EU Member States. The partnership is enlarged by the participation of Mediterranean countries which are candidates or potential candidate members of the European Union.

In this context, MEUSAC organised a half-day seminar on Territorial Cooperation Opportunities, specifically for the benefit of Local Councils. This event was organized in collaboration with the Planning and Priorities Coordination Division (PPCD) within the Office of the Prime Minister and was held at The Hotel Intercontinental, St. Julians on 13^th February 2009.

The items on the agenda included the Italia-Malta Programme (2007-2013), the MED Programme (2007-2013), Interreg IVC and the European Neighbourhood Policy Instrument (ENPI).  Experiences of local councils which have benefitted under previous programmes were also presented. Participants were addressed by various PPCD officials including Celia Mintoff (Senior Manager - Territorial Cooperation Unit), as well as Projects Managers Aldo Formosa, Henri Caruana and Caroline Borg.