Servizzi Ewropej f’Malta (SEM) plays a crucial role in promoting and facilitating access to EU funds for various entities in Malta and Gozo. In fact, the relatively young agency was set up by Government to help NGOs, local councils, organisations, enterprises and individuals to navigate the apparently treacherous waters of EU funding, providing free guidance, even hand-holding applicants throughout the process.

Newly installed CEO Rodrick Zerafa has very clear and ambitious plans for the agency.

“We want to reach out to as many people as possible, from all cohorts and all demographics of Malta and Gozo,” declares the new CEO. “We want to ensure that every potential beneficiary is aware of and can easily access EU funds. More importantly we want to send a clear message that we are here to help organisations, NGOs, local councils, enterprises, individuals and groups to apply for those funds, in many cases, even hand-hold throughout the seemingly intimidating task,” he continues.

The newly appointed CEO brings with him a wealth of experience in the art of the dissemination of information, having led the communications efforts of several public offices throughout his career. The new CEO’s vision is to steer SEM towards greater visibility and impact, in a bid to entice more organisations to make use of their services. These are primarily to assist in all things related to the EU, as well as advice on obtaining funds.

“We are aware that applying for EU funds can be daunting, and some organisations might not have the expertise onboard to undertake the work involved. That is where we come in, as we support and guide organisations, first in identifying the funds that are suitable for their needs, then with generating the necessary documentation and applying for the funds themselves. It is extremely satisfying to see successful applications going through, especially ones that are enjoyed at a community level.”

In this spirit, SEM is currently running a wide-reaching campaign aimed at raising awareness about success stories, which have resulted in several projects in Malta’s towns and villages.

“Just to mention one segment of assistance we provide, over the past five years, we helped 25 band clubs. Their projects varied in size and significance, from the restoration of premises to further investment in their facilities – contrary to popular belief, no project is too small for EU funds,” Mr Zerafa clarifies. Band Clubs were not the only ones to benefit from SEM’s services, as many more organisations from various fields have already benefited.

“In the past year alone, SEM conducted 10 training sessions for organisations, assisted 426 individuals and handled over 1,000 calls for assistance. These resulted in more than 150 applications, as we organised several information campaigns and collaboration sessions with various entities to reach out directly,” he adds.

“We want to continue growing these numbers, as many more can benefit from our services. We want to continue highlighting these success stories and demonstrate the tangible benefits of EU funds through townhall meetings and events across various sectors, and reach-out initiatives including sports, student organisations, and local councils.”

SEM goes beyond providing ad hoc help to organisations. It can also register interest and alert when certain funds become available.

“Recently we have launched an online system which matches individuals' and organisations' interests with relevant EU calls. This proactive approach ensures that as soon as a new opportunity arises, SEM can initiate the process and guide applicants from start to finish,” Mr Zerafa explains, as the agency aims to become the go-to resource for anything EU-related, not just funding. In fact, SEM serves as a gateway to a myriad of EU-related resources and opportunities.

“As part of our mission, we host and manage Europe Direct Valletta, one of 420 information centres across the EU. This centre plays a vital role in educating the public about their rights and obligations within the EU, guiding them to relevant offices and resources. It underscores SEM's mission to be an all-encompassing resource for EU-related inquiries and support.”

“Furthermore, we extend this mission to reaching out to young children through their Skolasajf programmes, to pique their interest about the wonders of the European Union. In fact, every year in July and August, we open our doors to children from all over Malta and Gozo who visit us to learn about the workings of the EU, and how it makes a tangible difference in their lives and that of their communities,” Mr Zerafa says.

In addition, SEM is also dedicated to increasing awareness of career opportunities within the institutions and agencies of the EU.

“At SEM, we have a dedicated person who is specialised in promoting EU careers, helping individuals prepare for exams and making job postings more visible. This initiative is part of SEM's broader goal to connect Maltese citizens with opportunities that the EU offers, fostering a closer relationship between Malta and the EU,” he concludes.