The Italia–Malta Interreg Programme matters more than we think

Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi

Minister for European funds and the implementation of the electoral programme

For island communities, cooperation may feel instinctive. Trade, mobility, family ties and shared culture have long linked Malta and Sicily. Yet, meaningful cooperation, the kind that turns shared challenges into shared solutions, does not happen by chance. It requires structure, continuity and the right instruments to translate proximity into impact.

One such instrument is the Interreg Italia–Malta Programme. Often operating quietly, it is one of the most concrete ways Malta and Sicily work together on issues affecting people on both sides of the sea. During 2021–2027, the programme covers the entire Maltese archipelago and nine Sicilian provinces, an area home to more than five million people. It is supported by €46 million in EU funding, rising to almost €58 million with national co-financing, dedicated to joint solutions rather than parallel national efforts.

It is easy to view Interreg as just another European funding scheme. In practice, it is among the EU’s most pragmatic tools. It recognises that neighbouring territories face common constraints: limited land and resources, exposure to climate change, pressure on marine ecosystems and economies dominated by small businesses. Problems such as pollution, skills shortages or climate risks do not stop at borders. Effective responses should not stop at borders either.

Malta participates in several Interreg programmes, each with different purpose. Some focus on policy learning across Europe, others on wider Mediterranean cooperation. Italia–Malta stands apart for its territorial focus. It is specifically designed around the everyday realities of two neighbouring island territories, where shared challenges are immediate and practical.

During 2014–2020, joint projects delivered concrete results: Water reuse pilots, digital health tools, labour mobility initiatives, marine protection measures, plastic waste technologies and nature‑based solutions to reduce flooding. These were not abstract studies, but initiatives that delivered visible benefits.

That experience also brought lessons and new opportunities for collaboration between local councils, universities, businesses and other entities from the two islands. Results need to be carried forward, small businesses need more tailored support, and cooperation between institutions works best when it lasts beyond a project cycle. The current programme reflects these lessons, with a stronger focus on continuity and measurable impact.

A targeted call launched in late 2025 attracted strong interest, particularly in climate resilience, circular economy solutions and skills development. This shows cooperation is driven not just by funding, but by real needs that national policies cannot address alone.

Flexibility is another strength. Projects are delivered where they make most sense, as long as benefits are shared: a pilot in Sicily can improve services in Malta, and Maltese expertise can build capacity across the channel. The border becomes a shared space, not a dividing line.

People and small businesses remain central. SMEs underpin both economies but often lack the capacity for innovation, digitalisation or greener practices. Through joint advisory services, applied research and skills development, the programme helps them adapt, while cross‑border training and recognised qualifications expand opportunities.

As debates on the future EU budget focus on impact and simplification, territorially focused programmes such as Italia–Malta make a strong case. They deliver tangible improvements while supporting wider goals, from climate resilience to competitiveness and social cohesion.

Cooperation between Malta and Sicily is not only about managing shared challenges; it is about building resilience and finding new solutions together. At a time when Europe seeks programmes that are practical and effective, Italia–Malta shows that regional cooperation delivers real value and helps shape a more sustainable future.