Direct Funds Unit

Apart from managing a variety of EU and bilateral funds and programmes, as reflected through this website, the FPD is also responsible for coordinating the EU funds and programmes which are directly managed by the European Commission.

The EU Direct Funds Unit within FPD specifically coordinates the network of National Contact Points (NCPs) that represent the various centrally managed EU funds and programmes and supports Line Ministries in order to maximize Malta’s participation in such direct funds. Below are some examples of the support provided:

Facilitator Role between Relevant Stakeholders

Refer potential project applicants to the relevant NCPs and national policy owners

Rope in MEUSAC in cases where their input is required

Advisory

Address NCP queries on legislation related to the centrally managed EU programmes

Knowledge Sharing

Sharing of relevant data and knowledge between FPD’s EU Direct Funding Unit, NCPs and line ministries

Promotion

Offer NCPs the chance to promote their programmes in relevant fora organised by FPD such as the NCP forum and information sessions
Advertise calls and events related to the respective NCP’s EU funded programme on the website eufundsmalta.gov.mt
Promote success stories related to the respective NCP’s EU funded programme on the website eufundmalta.gov.mt

Logistics

Offer FPD offices for meetings between the NCP and interested applicants, on request and if available
Assist in the preparation of information sessions and events relevant to the respective NCP’s EU funded programme, on request

Other

Organise and host local workshops for project idea development and/or consortium building for targeted calls under the NCP’s EU funded programme

Organise training by foreign experts in project management areas for NCPs dealing with programmes having a cross-border element, under the INTERACT programme

Vet line ministry applications before submissions, when required

The EU Direct Funds unit also acts as the NCP for the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF), the European Solidarity Fund (EUSF), the Innovation Fund, TAIEX and Twinning.