Horizon Europe Missions: Driving Innovation in Local Communities
Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti, together with Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli and representatives from Xjenza Malta, addressed the workshop titled “Horizon Europe Missions: Empowering Local Communities,” held at Villa Bighi.
This event, targeted at Local Councils, provided a detailed overview of the funding opportunities available within Horizon Europe, focusing on the five EU Missions.
These Missions are designed to foster innovative solutions aligned with the EU’s long-term goals, covering key areas such as climate change adaptation, cancer research, sustainable oceans, smart cities and healthy soil.
Through workshops like this, Maltese entities, including Local Councils, are encouraged to apply for up to 100% funding to contribute to these Missions.
Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation funding programme, has a budget of over €93 billion for 2021–2027. Xjenza Malta, as Malta’s National Contact Point for Horizon Europe, provides financial support to help maximise these opportunities through Horizon Europe support schemes, as well as guidance and assistance to stakeholders applying for such funding opportunities.
In his speech, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation, Keith Azzopardi Tanti, highlighted the crucial role of Local Councils in fostering innovation within their communities.
“Local Councils play an integral role in delivering innovation at the community level and ensuring the success of these initiatives.”
Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, Alison Zerafa Civelli, praised this initiative, stating:
“This event is a key step in strengthening our Local Councils, enabling them to engage with Horizon Europe and unlock their vast potential for positive social change through these Missions.”
During the event, participants explored Horizon Europe’s funding mechanisms through interactive group exercises, Citizen Science Initiatives and a live demonstration of the Funding and Tenders Portal, which helps guide the application process. Participants were also inspired by an experienced Horizon Europe applicant, Fabian Borg, who leads the Research and Innovation Unit within the Gżira local council, during a live demonstration, Fabian Borg demonstrated the Digital Twin of Malta, a cutting-edge climate impact simulator.
For more information on Horizon Europe and upcoming funding opportunities, visit xjenzamalta.mt/services/framework-programme-horizon-europe or contact [email protected].
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