Operational Programme I
Operational Programme I (OPI), titled ‘Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life’, was approved by the European Commission on 26th June 2007.
The Programme is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The Managing Authority for OPI is the Planning and Priorities Coordination Division (PPCD) within the Office of the Prime Minister.
Financial Allocation
OPI has a total budget of € 856,615,354. This consists of:
| € 443,978,031 | ERDF |
| € 284,145,020 | Cohesion Fund |
| € 128,492,303 | National Funds |
Through ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, OPI aims to develop and generate economic growth based on encouraging competitive economic activities and strengthening Malta’s physical infrastructure, leading to a better quality of life for Maltese citizens. The EU co-financing rate for OPI is 85%.
Projects under implementation
At present, 42 projects are being funded under Operational Programme I. The list of projects can be downloaded here.
OPI Priorities
OPI is based on the priorities highlighted by the National Strategic Reference Framework document. It addresses the following 7 key priority areas (Priority Axes) agreed upon between Malta and the European Commission:
The Application Process and Procedures for Examining Applications
Calls for Project Proposals are launched by the Managing Authority and publicised widely in the media and in the News Section of this website.
When a call is launched, application packs and guidance notes are uploaded on the Open Calls Page of this website and information sessions are organised for interested applicants. Applicants are also given an indication of the expected duration of the project selection process.
To apply for funding, eligible organizations must submit an application form strictly within the deadline set by the call.
Submitted project proposals are evaluated and ranked by a Project Selection Committee according to procedures, eligibility criteria and selection criteria which are outlined clearly in the Guidance Notes to OPII Application Forms which are issued with every call for proposals.
The Guidance Notes and Frequently Asked Questions issued with previous calls can be accessed through the Closed Calls Page.