MEP Agius urges EU backing for Maltese research efforts

MEP Peter Agius has called on the European Commission to step up support for Malta’s efforts to strengthen research and innovation as key drivers in diversifying the country’s economy.

In a meeting with European Commissioner for Research, Ekaterina Zaharieva, Dr. Agius highlighted both Malta’s progress in tapping EU programmes and the pressing challenges that remain. 

Since 2021, Maltese entities have submitted 745 proposals and secured €56.84 million in funding. However, participation in certain capacity-building measures within research and innovation still lags behind that of other EU member states. Dr. Agius stressed that Malta has yet to establish a Research Centre of Excellence and continues to face a shortage of local scientists and researchers working within national and European institutions.

“I underlined the importance of ensuring that Malta continues to receive the necessary support to expand investment in research and innovation. Without adequate EU funding, it will be extremely difficult for Malta to set up a Centre of Excellence in this field,” said Dr. Agius.

The Maltese MEP expressed concern that the proposals for the next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation classify Malta as a “transition country” rather than a “widening country”, due to the fact that it scores above 75% of the Union average in the Innovation Scoreboard Index and has a positive performance under Horizon Europe. This reclassification risks limiting Malta’s access to a part of EU funds for research and innovation.

‘I am calling on the European Commission to go beyond the figures for Malta’s performance under Horizon Europe. We can’t allow this to penalise Malta in its efforts to invest in research and innovation as initiators of new growth and quality jobs.’ said MEP Peter Agius

“Research and innovation are essential for Malta’s future economic resilience. We must ensure that EU policies do not leave smaller member states behind in developing the knowledge and skills needed to compete globally,” said Dr. Agius.

In conclusion, MEP Agius called on Commissioner Zaharieva for the Commission’s support for Malta to keep making a success with EU research funds. ‘’It is too early to consider Malta as not needing assistance in research and innovation. I will do my part as MEP for Malta and Gozo by submitting amendments to this effect in the upcoming budgetary negotiations in the European Parliament Committees’’ concluded Peter Agius