MEUSAC is committed to engage more civil society organisations in the consultation process with regards to EU legislation and policies so that the position taken by the government in the Council of Ministers will better reflect the voice and needs of civil society.

In view of this commitment, MEUSAC invited a number of NGOs to a briefing session on the consultation structure in general and the sectoral committees in particular. During the session, held on 10 June, MEUSAC officials explained to representatives of the 20 NGOs present how the sectoral committees work and the benefits of being sectoral committee members. The session also included a presentation on various EU funding opportunities which organisations may benefit from; and the civil society fund which is aimed at helping NGOs to associate with other European organisations and which may be availed of by NGOs once they join one or more of the sectoral committees. NGO representatives expressed their interest in the opportunity given by government to make their voice heard and recognised the support offered to organisations who encounter difficulties due to lack of resources.

Civil society organisations interested in joining the sectoral committees may send an email to consult.meusac@gov.mt or call 2200 3300 for more information.