Operational Programme II, titled ‘Empowering People for More Jobs and a Better Quality of Life’, was approved by the European Commission on 22nd June 2007.
The Programme is co-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF).
Through ESF, OPII aims to strengthen social and economic development by improving employment and job opportunities, encouraging a high level of employment and more and better jobs. It supports initiatives which aim to increase employment and quality and productivity at work, promote social inclusion and encourage disadvantaged people to join the work force.
Financial Allocation
OPII has a total budget of €131,764,705. This consists of:
| ESF | € 112,000,000 |
| National Funds | € 19,764,705 |
The co-financing rate for OPII is 85% ESF, 15% National Funds.
OPII Priorities
OPII is based on the priorities highlighted by the National Strategic Reference Framework.
It addresses the following 5 key priority areas (Priority Axes) agreed upon between Malta and the European Commission:
Each of these Priority Axes aims to strengthen economic and social cohesion by improving employment and job opportunities, encouraging a high level of employment and generating more and better jobs.
OPII approved projects
Please follow this link.
The Application Process and Procedures for Examining Applications
Calls for Project Proposals are launched by the Managing Authority and publicized 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.
Th Guidance Notes and Frequently Asked Questions for current calls can be downloaded from the
Open Calls page.
The Guidance Notes and the Frequenstly Asked Questions issued with previous calls can be accessed through the
Closed Calls page.
Eligible Applicants
The following types of organizations are eligible to submit project proposals for funding under OPII:
Public Sector Organisations, including Government Ministries, Departments, Entitites, Authorities, Public Commissions and Public Sector Foundations, are eligible to apply, subject to the approval of their respective Permanent Secretary.
Local Councils are also eligible to apply, provided that they have the funds to co-finance the project (15%) and to finance ineligible costs [costs which cannot be financed through Structural Funds or the Cohesion Fund].
Other organizations, such as Social Partners and Voluntary Organizations are also eligible to apply, provided that they are established for the specific purpose of meeting needs in the general interest and do not have an industrial or commercial character. In addition, these organizations must prove they have the funds to co-finance the project and any ineligible costs and that they have the financial, administrative and technical capacity to manage EU funds. Supporting documents proving the above must be attached to all applications submitted by such organizations.
Note that private individuals and companies are also able to benefit from OPII, but cannot apply directly through calls launched by the Managing Authority. Instead, Private individuals and companies can participate in separate calls for applications which are launched by the Public Organisations, Local Councils and Non-Public Organisations which are selected to manage projects and schemes.
Further information can be obtained from the Guidance Notes which are issued with each call for applications. The Guidance Notes for current calls can be downloaded from the Open Calls page. The Guidance Notes issued with previous calls can be accessed through the Closed Calls page.
Contacts
The Managing Authority for OPII is the Planning and Priorities Coordination Division (PPCD) within the Office of the Prime Minister.
Contact PPCD’s Email Helpdesk for any queries relating to OPII or contact our staff by using our Staff Directory.
Useful Links and Downloads