The Intelligent Energy – Europe (IEE) programme has become the main EU instrument to tackle nontechnical barriers to the spread of the efficient use of energy and greater use of new and  enewable energy sources. The IEE has been included in the overarching EU’s Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP). The IEE 2010 Call for Proposals was launched late March 2010 with deadline for submission of applications on 24th June 2010.

In this respect, the CIP Malta National Contact Point, in collaboration with MEUSAC, organized a national information event on the IEE 2010 Call for Proposals on the 21st April 2010. The Hon Dr Chris Said, Parliamentary Secretary for Consumers, Fair Competition, Local Councils and Public Dialogue delivered the opening address. Other speakers included Mr William Gillett, Head of Unit for Renewable Energy of the European Commission’s Executive Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation (EACI) which manages the IEE programme and Eng. George Cassar, senior analyst from the Malta Resources Authority (MRA). The Hon George Pullicino, Minister for Resources and Rural Affairs, who's Ministry is responsible for Malta's energy policy, delivered the closing address. Local entities benefiting from IEE funding put forward their best practices in a number of presentations, explaining what their project entails and what the tangible benefits are.