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

This proposal for a decision aimed to conclude a fourth protocol on financial and technical cooperation between the Community and Malta. It was allocated a financial envelope of ECU 45 million, namely: . ECU 15 million from the Community budget (ECU 13 million of non-refundable aid plus ECU 2 million of risk capital), . ECU 30 million in loans from the European Investment Bank. The cooperation has three main objectives: - to contribute to the economic and social development of Malta and to the integration of its economy into that of Europe, in accordance with the provisions of the Association Agreement; - to promote the transfer of the acquis communautaire by adapting Malta's national legislation, by training its civil servants and by raising public awareness of European realities; - to prepare Malta's economic and social structures for the challenge of accession to the European Union. The objectives set out in the protocol were to be realised by financing technical aid and training projects in the following key fields: - adaptation of Malta's public administration to the acquis communautaire (training programmes for public officials); - in the services sector and in industry: support for Malta's structural reforms in view of the demands of the single market (investment promotion, support for SMEs, etc.); - strengthening of the ties between Maltese and European socio-economic operators through the promotion of exports and the reform of Malta's trade, customs and fiscal policies; - cooperation in the field of science and technology (strengthening of the links between Maltese and European research institutes on various EC research programmes) and in the transport, energy and telecommunications sectors; - participation of Malta in Community programmes in the areas of education, youth and culture. This protocol was valid for the period up to 31 December 1998. If Malta were to join the Union during this period, specific adjustments would be negotiated with the country. �