EC/Malta relation: financial and technical cooperation, 4th protocol

After presenting the background in detail, Mr MALERBA (UPE, I) emphasised that the protocol with Malta would facilitate the island’s integration into the Union and its structural reforms. He referred to the measures in areas of public administration, restructuring of industry, science, technology and training, infrastructures, transport, energy and telecommunications. Commissioner VAN DEN BROEK stated that the accession negotiations would begin before ratification of the results of the Intergovernmental Conference, but that accession would be difficult before such ratification. A timetable was being drawn up. The Commissioner assured Parliament that the Commission was willing to inform it regularly of the progress of the negotiations.