Investment C1-I5: Renewable energy in public spaces

The objective of this investment is to generate green energy through renewable sources.

The investment consists of the installation of photovoltaics in public spaces.

A.2. Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

Sequential Number	Related Measure (Reform or Investment)	Milestone/Target	Name	Qualitative indicators (for milestones)	Quantitative indicators (for targets)			Timeline for completion		Description of each milestone and target
					Unit of measure	Baseline	Goal	Quarter	Year
1.1	C1.R.1	Milestone	Entry into force of the Building and Construction Authority Act	Provision in the Act indicating the entry into force of the Building and Construction Authority Act No. XIV of 2021				Q2	2021	Entry into force of the Building and Construction Authority Act with the aim to establish a Regulator for Buildings. The authority shall be responsible for the regulation, improvement and sustainable management of the building and construction industry in Malta.
1.2	C1.R.1	Milestone	Building and Construction Authority – equipped with resources	The Building and Construction Authority is equipped with human and financial resources				Q1	2023	The Building and Construction Authority shall be made operational by contracting at least 50 staff members and with a budget of at least EUR 2 million.
1.3	C1.R.1	Milestone	Training and certification of professionals in the construction industry	Launch of training and certification of professionals in the construction industry				Q4	2022	Open call for applications for a training and certification program for professionals and tradesmen of various levels in the buildings and construction industry to enhance the capacity for renovation courses. It shall target an array of professionals and tradesmen at various levels within the local construction eco-system.
1.4	C1.R.1	Target	Professionals in the construction industry eligible for a certificate		Number	0	500	Q2	2023	Number of professionals in the construction industry eligible for a certificate.
1.5	C1.R.2	Milestone	Entry into force of the updated Environment Protection Act	Provision in the Act indicating the entry into force of the Act				Q4	2021	Entry into force of the updated Environment Protection Act whereby the importation, production, sale and distribution of certain single use plastic (SUP) items, namely plastic bags, cutlery, straws and plates shall be prohibited.
1.8	C1.R.2	Milestone	Adoption of the Construction and Demolition Waste Strategy for Malta	Online publication of the Construction and Demolition Waste Strategy for Malta				Q4	2021	Adoption of the Construction and Demolition(C&D) Waste Strategy. The Strategy shall be in line with the EU waste legislation and EU Construction and Demolition Waste Protocol. The Strategy shall identify specific measures in four main priority areas: 1. Planning and design: aiming to tackle the problem at source by demolishing or constructing in a sustainable manner; 2. Waste management: measures to improve waste logistics both at the development site as well as off-site; 3. Quality management: measures associated with increasing the confidence in C&D waste management practices as well as improving the quality of C&D recycled materials; and 4. Policy and regulatory framework: shall propose improvements in policy and framework conditions in order to break the link between development and waste generation. The proposed regulatory framework shall comply with the EU legislation and guidelines on construction and demolition waste. The measure shall not lead to a significant increase in the disposal of waste, or create disincentives to preparing for reuse and recycling of waste.
1.9	C1.R.2	Milestone	Adoption of standards for the Construction Industry	Adoption of standards for the construction industry				Q4	2022	Adoption of standards for the construction industry. Standards shall concern: 1) Best practices for (de)construction, aimed at reducing the Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste generated and ensuring waste generated is suitable for treatment in line with the waste hierarchy provided in the Article 4 of the Directive 2008/98/EC on waste. 2) The classification of C&D waste by type, material, composition and weight, aimed to encourage on-site separation as well as improve the quality of the waste streams for subsequent re-use or recycling; 3) Appropriate excavation works, with the aim to re-use excavated rock for the purposes of construction; 4) Dimensions of internal and external apertures of residential dwellings aimed at encouraging the re-use of fittings as well as reduce diversification bringing about economies of scale. These standards shall be incorporated within the regulatory framework and compliance with these standards shall be an essential requirement prior to the issuance of an executable Development Permit.
1.10	C1.R.2	Milestone	Entry into force of a new regulatory framework for the management of construction and demolition waste	Provision in the new regulatory framework indicating the entry into force of the new regulatory framework				Q4	2023	Entry into force of a new regulatory framework for the management of construction and demolition waste in Malta. The regulatory framework shall be developed and discussed with actors involved along the construction and demolition chain. The regulatory framework shall comply with the EU waste legislation and EU Construction and Demolition Waste Protocol and Guidelines. The regulatory framework shall be structured on the following main priority areas indicated in the strategy to ensure a shift towards a more circular economy: (I)the prevention and better management of C&D waste at each stage of the development, that is at the demolition, excavation and construction stages; (II)the separation of waste at source; (III)promoting the development of secondary markets for end-of-life resources, as well as ensuring that there is a shift from recovery and disposal to reuse and recycling. In addition, the said regulations shall clearly identify and define the roles and responsibilities of the actors (such as developers, contractors, architects and property owners) involved in the sector.
1.11	C1.R.2	Milestone	Recovery of construction and demolition waste through backfilling void spaces (quarries)	Conditions are in place for the recovery of construction and demolition waste in void spaces				Q4	2022	The following conditions are in place for the recovery of construction and demolition waste in void spaces to restore them in their original state with high environmental standards: (i) the Environment and Resource Authority, in collaboration with the Planning Authority has identified the quarries, which have been declared as partly exhausted, exhausted or inactive and determined the volume contained therein; (ii) a set of terms of reference for the restoration of void spaces to their original state; and (iii) mechanisms to incentivise the crushing of material prior to backfilling, such as including the crushing of material prior to backfilling as a requirement when publishing call for tenders involving construction works by Government entities. The definition of such mechanisms shall be determined following consultation with stakeholders, including potential beneficiaries, the relevant authorities and also other primary stakeholders. The measure shall not lead to a significant increase in the disposal of waste, or create disincentives to preparing for reuse and recycling of waste. The waste used for backfilling shall be suitable non-hazardous waste substituting non-waste materials and shall be limited to the amount strictly necessary, in line with Article 3(17a) of Directive 2008/98/EC on waste.
1.12	C1.R.2	Milestone	Setting up of six municipal regional bodies responsible for waste collection across Malta and Gozo	Responsibility for collection shifted to regions, including collection of recyclables and all waste collection centres are fully operational				Q4	2022	Responsibility of waste collection shall shift from 68 Local Councils to six regions: a) Port (including 11 Local Councils), b) Southern (12 Local Councils), c) Eastern (12 Local Councils), d) Western (10 Local Councils) e) Northern (9 Local Councils), f) Gozo (14 Local Councils). The transition of waste collection to six centres is completed. The six centres are fully operational and in charge of collecting waste.
1.13	C1.R.2	Milestone	Entry into force of revised legislation on packaging material to allow for the regional collection of packaging waste	Provision in the revised legislation indicating the entry into force of the revised legislation				Q4	2022	Entry into force of revised legislation on packaging material which allows for the regional collection of packaging waste. This shall build on the legislation for the regional collection of waste which was established through the Local Government Act. Regional councils shall be responsible for the logistics to enable economies of scale, whilst the producers shall be responsible for the financing.
1.15	C1.I.1	Milestone	Contracted services for the renovation of public buildings	Contracts signed for the procurement of renovation services for selected public buildings covered by this investment				Q2	2023	All contracts signed for the procurement of renovation services of public buildings with an area of at least 9 232m2.
1.16	C1.I.1	Target	Reduction of primary energy demand in public buildings		Percentage	0	30%	Q4	2025	Reduction of primary energy demand (PED) of at least 30% in public buildings covering an area of at least 8 000m2.
1.17	C1.I1	Milestone	Launch of call for applications for grants targeting the renovation of private sector buildings	Grants targeting the renovation of private sector buildings, including commercial and other non-residential buildings launched				Q1	2022	Launch of call for applications for the selection of applicants for grants targeting the renovation of private sector buildings for retrofitting and energy efficiency (including commercial/non-residential buildings). The area financed under this investment shall be of at least 40,605m2.
1.19	C1.I.2	Milestone	Energy Performance Audit of Mount Carmel Public Hospital	Completion of Energy Performance and Energy Audit of Mount Carmel Public Hospital				Q2	2022	Completion of Energy Performance Audit at Mount Carmel Hospital in compliance with Directive 2010/31/EU to establish the Energy Performance Certificate class of the respective blocks and identify the applicable Energy Efficiency renovation measures.
1.20	C1.I.2	Milestone	Contract(s) signed for the renovation of block 1 of Mount Carmel Public Hospital	Contract(s) signed				Q4	2024	Contract(s) signed for the renovation of block 1 of Mount Carmel Public Hospital.
1.21	C1.I.2	Target	Reduction of primary energy demand in block 1 of Mount Carmel Public Hospital		Percentage	0	30%	Q2	2026	Reduction of primary energy demand (PED) of at least 30% in block 1 of Mount Carmel Public Hospital.
1.22	C1.I.3	Milestone	Energy Performance Audit of two Public Schools	Completion of assessment of overall Energy Performance and Energy Audit of two Public Schools				Q4	2021	Completion of energy performance audit of two public school buildings (St. Benedict College Għaxaq Primary School and Gozo College Nadur Primary School) in compliance with Directive 2010/31/EU to establish their Energy Performance Certificate class and identify applicable Energy Efficiency renovation measures. Completion shall mean the delivery of an audit report.
1.23	C1.I.3	Milestone	Contracted services for the renovation of two Public Schools	Contracts signed for the renovation of two Public Schools				Q1	2022	All contracts signed for the procurement of renovation of two public school buildings (St. Benedict College Għaxaq Primary School and Gozo College Nadur Primary School) covering a total area of more than 9 710m2. The renovation shall achieve a reduction of primary energy demand (PED) of at least 30%.
1.24	C1.I.3	Target	Reduced primary energy demand in two Public Schools		Percentage	0	30	Q4	2023	Reduction of primary energy demand (PED) of at least 30% in two public schools (St. Benedict College Għaxaq Primary School and Gozo College Nadur Primary School).
1.25	C1.I.4	Milestone	Contracted services for construction works of a near carbon neutral school	Contracts signed for the construction of a near carbon neutral school.				Q1	2022	Signed contracts for the procurement of construction works for the near carbon neutral school. The construction shall ensure that a Primary Energy Demand (PED) that is at least 20% lower than the NZEB requirement is met.
1.26	C1.I.4	Target	Construction of a near-carbon neutral school completed		m2	0	14 499	Q4	2023	Construction works of the near-carbon neutral school are completed. The school is estimated to cater for around 500 students and to have a land surface area of at least 14 499m2. The construction shall ensure that a Primary Energy Demand (PED) that is at least 20% lower than the NZEB requirement is met.
1.27	C1.I.5	Target	Installed generation capacity of photovoltaics in public spaces		kWp	0	143	Q2	2026	Installed generation capacity of photovoltaics in public spaces.

B. COMPONENT 2: Decarbonising Transport

This component of the Maltese RRP contributes to addressing the challenge of road traffic congestion, greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions, and the need to make the transport sector more sustainable.

The objective of the component is to shift traffic from road to more sustainable modes and decarbonise road transport through electrification, in line with Malta’s National Energy and Climate Plan for 2030, the 2050 Low Carbon Development Strategy, Malta’s National Reform Programme (2020) and Malta’s National Transport Strategy.

Reforms in this component improve transport planning, expand the use of public transport and implement actions of the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan for the Valletta region. They also designate regeneration areas, promote remote working in the public sector, and increase the efficiency of the public sector vehicle fleet. Investments comprise a scrappage scheme supporting the purchase of zero-emission electric vehicles in the private sector and a renewal of the public sector vehicle fleet with zero-emission electric vehicles.

The component contributes to addressing the country-specific recommendations to focus investment on the green transition (country-specific recommendation 3 2020), sustainable transport (country-specific recommendations 3 2019 and 3 2020) and reducing traffic congestion (country-specific recommendation 3 2019), as well as country-specific recommendations 1 and 4 of 2022 with a focus on the green transition, sustainable transport and the reduction of traffic congestion.

It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the RRP in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).

B.1. Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Reform C2-R1: Supporting the decarbonisation of the transport sector, including by raising awareness of sustainable or active mobility

The objective of the reform is to support the decarbonisation of the transport sector.

The measure consists of: (i) Malta’s National Household Travel Survey, and (ii) actions undertaken to raise awareness of sustainable or active mobility.

Reform C2-R2: Promoting further use of collective road public transport

The objective of this reform is to promote the use of road public transport as a means to reduce emissions and address congestion.

This reform shall consist in the signature of an addendum to the concession agreement between the Maltese Authority for Transport and the Operator providing public transport services, allowing access to scheduled fare-free road public transport for all holders of a personalised Tallinja Card.

The reform shall be implemented by 31 December 2023.

Reform C2-R3: Expediting the finalisation and implementation of a Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) for the Valletta Region

The objective of this reform is better transport planning and sustainable mobility solutions.

The measure consists of the online publication of the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) for the Valletta Region and the installation of bicycle racks and pumps as eligible interventions under the Plan, in nine local councils within the Valletta region.

Reform C2-R4: Reducing the socio-economic and environmental impact of vehicles in urban areas

The objective of this reform is to select regeneration areas in urban areas to increase walking, cycling and the use of public transport.

The measure consists of the signing of an agreement between Transport Malta and the Local Councils Association for the selection of regeneration areas in urban areas.

Reform C2-R5: Promoting remote working in the public service

The objective of this reform is to enhance remote working in the public sector. The possibility to work from home or through regional hubs is expected to reduce journeys to and from work and therefore traffic congestion.

First, this reform shall consist of the establishment of 15 office facilities that enable remote work for public service officials across the Maltese Islands. Such office spaces are expected to be operational for remote working and shall accommodate at least 140 workstations in total across the 15 office facilities.

Second, this reform shall consist of the publication of the Remote Working Policy for Government Employees. The policy shall outline the eligibility criteria, conditions, requirements for approval and application guidelines governing this initiative that promotes work-life balance and contributes towards sustainability.

The reform shall be implemented by 31 March 2022.

Reform C2-R6: Mobility in the public service

The objective of this reform is to support mobility management in the Maltese public service.

The measure consists of a study to assess public service transport infrastructure currently in place across the Maltese Public Service and a digital platform put online to track and book rides with public service vehicles.

Reform C2-R7: Public services and public bus services

The objective of this reform is to reduce traffic congestion and emissions from road transport.

The reform consists of restricting road cleansing and road marking services to off-peak hours, increase the frequency of the scheduled public bus service to Ħal Farruġ, an extension of the scheduled public bus route service to Ħal Far, a new scheduled public bus service between Addolorata and L-Imsida (Universita') and Mater Dei (Sptar), and a new scheduled public bus service between Ta' Qali and L-Imsida (Universita') and Mater Dei (Sptar).

Investment C2-I2: Enhancing the uptake of electric vehicles in the private sector

The objective of this investment is a shift towards electric mobility and reduce emissions emanating from the road transport sector in Malta.

This measure consists of grants for the purchase of new electric vehicles in the private sector.

Investment C2-I3: Decarbonising the public service fleet

The objective of this investment is to increase the uptake of electric vehicles in the public service.

The measure consists of the purchase of 250 electric vehicles for use in the Government vehicle fleet and the scrappage of an equivalent number of vehicles.

B.2. Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

Sequential Number	Related Measure (Reform or Investment)	Milestone / Target	Name	Qualitative indicators (for milestones)	Quantitative indicators (for targets)			Timeline for completion		Description of each milestone and target
					Unit of measure	Baseline	Goal	Quarter	Year
2.1	C2.R.1	Milestone	National Household Travel Survey	Completion of the National Household Travel Survey				Q4	2021	The National Household Travel Survey is completed. This survey shall aim to quantify current travel patterns, behaviour and gauge public opinion on new potential measures to be included in the updated Transport Master Plan. Completion of the survey refers to the moment where the data collection and analysis for the survey have been carried out and findings have been identified in a written report.
2.2	C2.R.1	Milestone	Raising awareness of sustainable or active mobility	Actions undertaken to raise awareness of sustainable or active mobility				Q4	2025	Actions shall be undertaken to raise awareness of sustainable or active mobility.
2.3	C2.R.2	Milestone	Access to fare-free scheduled road public transport for all holders of a personalised Tallinja Card	Addendum to the concession agreement signed				Q4	2023	Signature of the addendum to the concession agreement between the Maltese Authority for Transport and the Operator providing public transport services, allowing access to scheduled fare-free road public transport for all holders of a personalised Tallinja Card.
2.4	C2.R.3	Milestone	Publication of the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan for the Valletta Region	Online publication of the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan for the Valletta Region				Q4	2022	Online publication of the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan for the Valletta Region, setting out eligible interventions to be implemented through the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan. Eligible types of interventions are: peripheral parking schemes that encourage more sustainable modes of transport including cycling and walking in the city core; the localisation and implementation of local transport hubs, cycling infrastructure, car sharing among several people and on demand transport services; the deployment and use of electric vehicles and charging infrastructures in densely populated urban areas and urban logistics, such as through the implementation of last-mile solutions, including for commercial purposes and supporting alternative mobility solutions.
2.5	C2.R.3	Target	Bicycle racks and pumps installed in nine of the local councils covered by the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan for the Valletta Region		Number	0	9	Q2	2025	Bicycle racks and pumps shall be installed in nine of the local councils covered by the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan for the Valletta Region.
2.6	C2.R.4	Milestone	Agreement with Local Councils Association on the regeneration areas in urban areas	Signed agreement for regeneration areas in urban areas				Q2	2021	The signing of agreement between Transport Malta and Local Councils Association for the selection of regeneration areas in urban areas. A regeneration area is an area where Local Councils promote walking, cycling and public transport, in parallel with other educational campaigns to avoid unnecessary travel which is expected to result in additional free and unencumbered open public space. The selection of regeneration areas shall be consistent with the measures outlined in Malta’s Transport Master Plan.
2.8	C2.R.5	Milestone	Publication of the Remote Working Policy for Government Employees	Publication of the Remote Working Policy Document for Government Employees				Q1	2022	Publication of a Remote Working Policy for Government employees. The policy shall outline the eligibility criteria, conditions, requirements for approval and application guidelines governing this initiative that promotes work-life balance and contributes towards sustainability.
2.9	C2.R.5	Target	15 office facilities that enable remote work for public service officials across the Maltese Islands operational		Number	0	15	Q4	2021	Number of offices in different localities being operational with facilities that enable remote work by public service workforce across all Ministries. Such office spaces shall accommodate at least 140 workstations in total across the 15 office facilities.
2.10	C2.R.6	Milestone	Completion of study on enhanced mobility management in the Maltese public service	Study with recommendations completed				Q1	2023	Completion of study about change in mobility management in the Maltese Public Service. The study shall examine the current situation and establish a baseline of existing shared mobility (that is, coordinated trips between at least two Government Departments) in the public service; make recommendations to re-engineer the process leading to higher efficiency; and identify the number and type of a cleaner fleet of government general-use vehicles. The study shall be carried out by an independent contractor following a public procurement procedure. The study shall be shared with the European Commission.
2.11	C2.R.6	Milestone	Digital platform for mobility with public service vehicles	Digital platform for mobility with public service vehicles online				Q2	2025	A digital platform to track and book rides with public service vehicles shall be online.
2.22	C2.R7	Milestone	Public services shifted to off-peak hours and changes to public bus services	Public services shifted to off-peak hours and changes to public bus services				Q2	2026	The following measures shall be taken: -Memorandum of Understanding signed between The Authority for Transport in Malta and The Agency for Infrastructure Malta allowing for road marking public services to be shifted to off-peak hours. -Memorandum of Understanding signed between The Authority for Transport in Malta and the Cleansing and Maintenance Division allowing for road cleaning public services to be shifted to off-peak hours. -Increased frequency of scheduled public bus service to serve Ħal Farruġ. -Extension of scheduled public bus service to serve Ħal Far. -A new scheduled public bus service between Addolorata and L-Imsida (Universita') and Mater Dei (Sptar). -A new scheduled public bus service between Ta' Qali and L-Imsida (Universita') and Mater Dei (Sptar).
2.15	C2.I.2	Milestone	Open call for applications for electric vehicles and bicycles in the private sector, including scrappage scheme	Launched open call for applications for electric vehicles and bicycles in the private sector, including scrappage scheme				Q1	2022	Launch of open call for applications for support to the purchase of new electric vehicles and bicycles in the private sector, including scrappage schemes for households and commercial undertakings. The calls shall include support for the purchase of new passenger, passenger care, goods carrying vehicles, minibuses/coaches, quadricycles/motorcycles and pedelecs.
2.16	C2.I.2	Target	Number of grants awarded for electric vehicles under the scheme for the private sector		Number	0	1 000	Q2	2023	This target measures the number of grants awarded under the Electric Vehicle Scheme in the private sector.
2.17	C2.I.2	Target	Number of grants awarded for electric vehicles under the scheme for the private sector		Number	1 000	5 600	Q4	2024	This target measures the number of grants awarded under the Electric Vehicle Scheme in the private sector.
2.17a	C2.I.2	Target	Number of grants awarded for the purchase of electric vehicles in the private sector, together with mandatory scrappage of an existing vehicle		Number	0	5 800	Q2	2026	This target measures the number of grants awarded for the purchase of electric vehicles in the private sector, together with mandatory scrappage of an existing vehicle.
2.18	C2.I.3	Milestone	Contracted services for the supply of electric vehicles for the public service fleet	Contracts signed				Q3	2023	Signed contracts for the supply of electric vehicles for the public service.
2.19	C2.I.3	Target	Replacement of vehicles within the Government fleet with electric (zero emissions) vehicles		Number	0	250	Q3	2025	Replacement of 250 vehicles within the Government fleet with electric (zero emissions) vehicles.

C. COMPONENT 3: Digitalisation

This component of the Maltese RRP addresses the challenges related to further increasing the digitalisation across the public and private sectors, notably in terms of improving the resilience, capacity and security of the government digital backbone, access to digital technology, range and quality of e-government services, uptake of those services by citizens and businesses, and digitalisation of the private sector. The component also contributes to addressing the challenge of improving Malta’s performance in research and innovation (R&I), where Malta is ranked as a ‘moderate innovator’, according to the European Innovation Scoreboard 2021. 1

The objective of the component is to fast track the digital transition, notably by strengthening the national policy framework, investing in the further digitalisation of the public administration and public services (to increase their range, quality and uptake), as well as supporting the digitalisation of SMEs. The component also aims to improve Malta’s R&I performance.

The first reform in this component concerns developing and implementing the initiatives regarding the following three main aspects of Malta Digital Strategy 2022-2027: to reduce the digital divide, to promote digital skills, and to improve digital public services. The implementation of the strategies for the development of digital skills shall be supported through the use of other EU funding programmes, such as the European Social Fund Plus. The second reform relates to the implementation of Malta’s smart specialisation strategy, with a particular focus on fostering business R&I and strengthening public-private cooperation. The investments are targeted at strengthening the government digital backbone and digital solutions, digitalising the Merchant Shipping Directorate, further digitalising the public administration and rolling out support measures to digitalise the private sector (namely, SMEs).

The component contributes to addressing the country-specific recommendations related to the digital transition (country-specific recommendation 3 2020 and 1 2022) and to research and innovation (country-specific recommendations 3 2019 and 3 2020).

C.1. Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Reform C3-R1: Deepening the digital transformation through policy reform, with a focus on reducing the digital divide and promoting digital skills

The objective of the reform is to develop and implement strategies and initiatives focussing on reducing the digital divide, promoting digital skills, strengthening socio-economic cohesion and improving digital public services.

The reform shall include the implementation of measures set out in Malta Digital Strategy 2022-2027. In particular, the reform shall involve the launch of a programme to support families with low income to have access to computers as well as to be eligible for internet access and training and guidance on the use of the computer on a first-come, first-served basis. Also, the reform shall strengthen and promote human resource capacity through the launch of a scholarship scheme to encourage students to become professionals in the digital area, including in innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence.

The reform shall be implemented by 31 December 2023.

Reform C3-R2: Finalise and implement Malta's smart specialisation strategy, with a particular focus on fostering business R&I and strengthening public-private cooperation

The objective of the reform is to establish and implement a new policy framework for smart specialisation, with a focus on fostering business R&I and strengthening public-private cooperation.

The reform shall include the adoption of Malta’s smart specialisation strategy 2021-2027, the key initiatives of which shall include the promotion of inter-agency collaboration in support of enterprises and inter-agency coordination in order to raise awareness on R&I funding schemes, as well as the simplification of procedures related to application for funding and provision of guidance to potential beneficiaries in a more targeted and effective manner. The reform shall also encourage public-private cooperation to transform research results into market-ready solutions. This reform shall complement the efforts in R&I undertaken through the Union’s cohesion policy funds.

The reform shall be implemented by 31 December 2024.

Investment C3-I1: Strengthening the resilience, security and efficiency of the government digital backbone and investing in appropriate digital solutions, devices and tools

The objective of the investment is to support the resilience and security of the government digital backbone, increase the homogeneity, standardisation and sharing of services across the government, and upgrade the interface with businesses.

The measure consists of investing within the digital backbone into various digital solutions and components to further increase the backbone’s overall security, resilience and capacity.

Investment C3-I2: Digitalisation of the Merchant Shipping Directorate within Transport Malta

The objective of the investment is to further digitalise the merchant shipping sector and ensure more efficient regulatory practices, as well as optimise the internal operations, customer relations and administration within Malta’s Merchant Shipping Directorate.

The investment consists of making accessible for use the document management system and parts of the vessel management system.

Investment C3-I3: Further digitalisation and modernisation of the public administration

The objective of the investment is for the public administration to provide better customer experience to citizens and business organisations, to increase the uptake of online services, to support the competitiveness of the Maltese economy, and to offer remote means of working for public officers.

The investment consists of supporting the use of e-government services, creating the National Single Window for Customs and the Address-Based Geolocated Image Capture of Maltese building units, and acquiring hardware and software to offer remote work for public officers.

Investment C3-I4: Rolling out measures to support the digitalisation of the private sector

The objective of the investment is to support the private sector in its digitalisation efforts by addressing gaps in funding opportunities.

The investment consists of grants for the private sector to invest in the digitalisation (including hardware, software and digital solutions), in order to support operations and explore new business opportunities.

Investment C3-I5: Mobile infrastructure and software for digitalisation of urban ecology

The objective of the investment is to acquire mobile infrastructure and software for the digitalisation of urban ecology to facilitate aerial, terrestrial, subterranean and bathymetric scans and contribute towards the creation of a national interactive database that supports management and research of environmental, social and urban developments.

The investment consists of the acquisition of mobile infrastructure and software for digitalisation of urban ecology.

Investment C3-I6: Transfer to InvestEU Member State Compartment

This measure consists of a public investment in the InvestEU Member State compartment in order to incentivise private investment and improve access to finance for SMEs. The contribution to the InvestEU Member State compartment shall be used for loan guarantees provided to SMEs through financial intermediaries to the private sector.

A Guarantee Agreement between the Commission and Implementing Partner, selected in accordance with the relevant provisions of Regulation (EU) 2021/523 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 March 2021 establishing the InvestEU Programme and amending Regulation (EU) 2015/1017, shall enter into force.

Malta shall sign a contribution agreement with the European Commission that shall include:

-The proposed Implementing Partner.

-The requirement of compliance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01). If necessary, the Guarantee Agreement shall exclude the following list of activities and assets from eligibility: (i) activities and assets related to fossil fuels, including downstream use 2 ; (ii) activities and assets under the EU Emission Trading System (ETS) achieving projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not lower than the relevant benchmarks 3 ; (iii) activities and assets related to waste landfills, incinerators 4 and mechanical biological treatment plants 5 .

C.2. Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

Sequential Number	Related Measure (Reform or Investment)	Milestone / Target	Name	Qualitative indicators (for milestones)	Quantitative indicators (for targets)			Timeline for completion		Description of each milestone and target
					Unit of measure	Baseline	Goal	Quarter	Year
3.1	C3.R.1	Milestone	Launch of a scholarship scheme for students to become ICT professionals	Online publication of the scheme				Q1	2022	In line with Malta Digital Strategy 2022-2027, open a scholarship scheme to encourage students to pursue a career in niche ICT areas such as artificial intelligence.
3.2	C3.R.1	Target	Individuals supported to mitigate digital divide		Number	0	1 000	Q4	2023	A pilot scheme shall be launched in 2021 to analyse the impact of home internet connection and access to a computer on low income families in respect to digital literacy, connectivity, integration of digital technology and computer skills. The pilot scheme shall target applicants with low income and limited means. Beneficiaries shall be provided with a computer. In addition, beneficiaries shall be informed of their eligibility for internet access, as well as of the possibility of applying for training and guidance on the use of the computer on a first-come, first-served basis.
3.3	C3.R.2	Milestone	Adoption of Malta's Smart Specialisation Strategy	Online publication of the strategy				Q4	2021	Publication of national smart specialisation strategy. The strategy shall focus on a number of key initiatives including: - investment in research infrastructure; - supporting internationalisation, including through participation in Horizon Europe; - promotion of inter-agency collaboration in support of enterprises; and - incentives for industry stakeholders to innovate.
3.5	C3.I.1	Target	Increased uptime of the Digital Backbone		% (Percentage)	99.7	99.8	Q4	2023	Percentage of uptime (total time that service is up, divided by the total number of hours during that period, excluding scheduled downtime) of the digital backbone (Government Network referred to as MAGNET and MITA Corporate Data Centres) measured by Malta Information Technology Agency (MITA).
3.6	C3.I.1	Milestone	Level 4 in NIST cybersecurity framework	NIST level assessed as level 4 in a report by an independent expert				Q4	2025	An assessment report prepared by an independent expert, documenting that MITA infrastructure attains an overall level 4 in NIST cybersecurity framework. In addition, cybersecurity training shall be provided.
3.8	C3.I.2	Milestone	IT systems and tools accessible for use	IT systems and tools are accessible for use				Q4	2025	The following IT systems and tools shall be accessible for use: • Document Management System, including the migration of ship files, and • The parts of the Vessel Management System providing for: • a Digital Maritime Interface • the Billing Module • the Maritime Analytics • the Seafarer Training Management Module.
3.10	C3.I.3	Target	Expenditure incurred in relation to the modern digital workplace and solutions to improve the front-end customer experience		EUR	0	2 500 000	Q4	2022	At least a value of EUR 2 500 000 has been paid for contractual obligations relating to measures in relation to the modern digital workplace and solutions to improve the front-end customer experience.
3.11	C3.I.3	Milestone	Acquisition or renewal of Microsoft 365 (or equivalent) licences	Licences acquired or renewed				Q4	2025	Acquisition or renewal of 3 500 Microsoft 365 (or equivalent) licences in 2021 and 3 500 Microsoft 365 (or equivalent) licences in 2022.
3.11a	C3.I.3	Milestone	Acquisition or renewal of Microsoft 365 Copilot licences	Licences acquired or renewed				Q2	2026	Acquisition or renewal of 5 000 Microsoft 365 Copilot licences in 2025 and 12 000 Microsoft 365 Copilot licences in 2026.
3.12	C3.I.3	Milestone	Acquisition of laptops and telephony licences	Laptops and telephony licences acquired				Q4	2024	Acquisition of 2 000 laptops and 2 000 telephony licences.
3.13	C3.I.3	Milestone	Digital public services for citizens and businesses	Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) indicator for digital public services				Q4	2025	DESI indicator for digital public services for citizens of at least 99.7. DESI indicator for digital public services for businesses of at least 99.0.
3.13a	C3.I.3	Milestone	National Single Window for Customs and an Address-Based Geolocated Image Capture of Maltese Building Units	National Single Window for Customs and an Address-Based Geolocated Image Capture of Maltese Building Units				Q2	2026	National Single Window for Customs and an Address-Based Geolocated Image Capture of Maltese Building Units shall be created.
3.14	C3.I.4	Milestone	Launch of the calls for applications	Publication of the call				Q1	2022	Launch of calls for applications for business to receive grant support for digitalisation, including wholesale and retail, tourism (including culture) and manufacturing sectors. The terms of reference shall include eligibility criteria that ensure that the selected projects comply with the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01) through the use of an exclusion list and the requirement of compliance with the relevant EU and national environmental legislation.
3.15	C3.I.4	Milestone	Grants for digitalisation of the private sector	Grants paid out				Q2	2026	Registration in the RRF database of the Ministry responsible for the European Funds of payments of grants of at least EUR 10 800 000.
3.16	C3.I.5	Milestone	Acquisition of mobile infrastructure and software for digitalisation of the urban ecology	Acquisition of mobile infrastructure and software for digitalisation of the urban ecology				Q2	2026	Acquisition of mobile infrastructure and software for digitalisation of urban ecology, including a mobile immersion lab system, systems for data capture, and a mobile Ground Penetrating Radar lab system.
3.17	C3.I.6	Milestone	Signature of the Contribution Agreement between the government of Malta and the European Commission	Signature of the Contribution Agreement				Q1	2026	Signature of the Contribution Agreement between the government of Malta and the European Commission for an amount of EUR 13 100 000.
3.18	C3.I.6	Target	Financing or investment operations approved by the InvestEU Investment Committee		Percentage (%)	0%	100%	Q2	2026	Financing or investment operations amounting to 100% of the total amount of resources allocated to the instrument shall have been approved by the InvestEU Investment Committee.

D. COMPONENT 4: Health

This component of the Maltese RRP addresses the challenges faced by Malta’s healthcare sector particularly in meeting the demands of an ageing population. The objective of the component is to increase the resilience and sustainability of the health sector whilst ensuring universal access, high quality of care and sustainable services.

The first reform aims at improving the management of the workforce. It addresses obstacles to the hiring and retention of foreign healthcare workers, also by improving their wellbeing. It also contributes to disease prevention related to children’s health. The second reform addresses regulatory barriers that may hamper the full exploitation of the Blood, Tissue and Cell Centre.

The first investment consists of the establishment of a Blood, Tissue and Cell Centre within close proximity of the main hospital in Malta. The second investment consists of two projects enhancing the resilience of the health system through digitalisation and new technologies.

This component builds on previous actions aimed at increasing the variety of services offered to the population in Malta and at streamlining interactions between different services to ensure continuity of care.

The component contributes to addressing the country-specific recommendations on improving the resilience and fiscal sustainability of the healthcare system (country-specific recommendation 1 2019) and (country-specific recommendation 1 2020), especially in view of the global pandemic. The measures in this component are complemented by initiatives financed under other EU programmes to support capacity building for health professionals and further investment in the primary care centres.

D.1. Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Reform C4-R1: Develop and implement a health policy framework aimed at making the health system more sustainable and resilient, with a particular focus on health prevention and a strong workforce

The objective of this reform is to build resilience in the health sector’s workforce and to prevent diseases in children.

The reform consists of (i) a bespoke tool for workforce planning, (ii) measures to facilitate the integration and wellbeing of foreign health workers, (iii) assessment of obesity prevalence among 4–5-year-old children and (iv) the roll out of a neonatal hearing screening programme.

Reform C4-R2: Review the national legislative framework related to the Establishment of a Blood, Tissue and Cell Centre for Malta.

The objective of this reform is to review the national legislative framework related to the Blood, Tissue and Cell Centre for Malta.

The reform consists of a review followed by the entry into force of legal act(s) on the Blood, Tissue and Cell Centre.

Investment C4-I1: Construction of a Blood, Tissue and Cell Centre for Malta

The objective of this investment is to alleviate the dependency of Malta on other countries for the provision of blood, tissue and cell therapies needed in medical interventions and treatments, and support social well-being by offering services locally.

The investment consists of the construction of a Blood, Tissue and Cell Centre.

Investment C4-I2: Enhancing the resilience of the health system through digitalisation and new technologies

The objective of this investment is to support the digital transition of Malta’s health care system.

The investment consists of equipment for digital pathology services and a Magnetic Resonance Linear Accelerator machine at the oncology centre reducing treatment volumes, times and side effects for patients.

D.2. Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

Sequential Number	Related Measure (Reform or Investment)	Milestone / Target	Name	Qualitative indicators (for milestones)	Quantitative indicators (for targets)			Timeline for completion		Description of each milestone and target
					Unit of measure	Baseline	Goal	Quarter	Year
4.1	C4.R.1	Milestone	Study on barriers and facilitators for better integration and wellbeing of the foreign workforce	Publication of the study on barriers and facilitators for better integration and wellbeing of the foreign workforce				Q2	2022	Publication of a study on the integration and wellbeing of the foreign workforce within the Public sector. The study shall: (i) study barriers and facilitators for a better integration and wellbeing of foreign workforce (including expectations, concerns, relationship with peers) (ii) consult all relevant stakeholders (including JobsPlus and Identity Malta) (iii) propose policy recommendations about measures to improve integration and wellbeing of foreign workforce. The study shall employ appropriate assessment tools and methodology for the measurement of wellbeing. The study shall examine the current situation and establish a baseline of existing wellbeing of foreign workers, based on MH1 or MH2 scores of the SF36 questionnaire, which is a 36-item, patient-reported survey of patient health. MH1 and MH2 indicators are calculated based on the replies to the corresponding questions in the Mental Health section of the survey. The study shall be carried out by an independent contractor engaged through public procurement procedures. The study shall be made available to the Commission through the Management Information System.
4.2	C4.R.1	Milestone	Bespoke tool for workforce planning	Bespoke tool for workforce planning in place and made available for use				Q2	2023	Tool for health workforce planning including features related to human resources, budgeting, vacancies management and hiring facilitation, is developed and made available for use.
4.3	C4.R.1	Milestone	Reports on addressing policy recommendations on wellbeing and integration of foreign workforce within the Ministry for Health	(i) Publication of a report on the Positive Integration, Assimilation and Retention of Foreign Workers within the Ministry for Health in Malta. (ii) Publication of a report on addressing policy recommendations on the wellbeing and integration of foreign health workers				Q4	2025	Publication of report by the external expert to the Ministry for Health on the Positive Integration, Assimilation and Retention of Foreign Workers within the Ministry for Health in Malta. Publication of a report by authorities responsible for health on addressing policy recommendations on the wellbeing and integration of foreign health workers.
4.5	C4.R.1	Milestone	Report on obesity prevalence amongst 4–5-year-olds in the Maltese population	Online publication of the report on obesity prevalence amongst 4–5-year-olds in the Maltese population				Q4	2022	Publication of a report on childhood obesity, which shall feed into the obesity surveillance programme among children. The study shall examine the prevalence of obesity among the 4–5-year-olds in the Maltese population. 10% of children in School Years 1-11 shall be sampled together with all the children attending 50% of the Kindergarten 2 centres. This assessment shall set a baseline for this young age group only and compare with older cohorts. This shall lead to policy recommendations, which may include awareness campaigns.
4.6	C4.R.1	Target	Implementation of neonatal hearing screening programme		% (percentage)	40	85	Q4	2023	The programme shall identify hearing problems in early years (New-born Hearing Screening Programme). The programme shall consist of the identification of those babies who are at risk for hearing impairment, in order to achieve early identification and rehabilitation. For the achievement of the target, at least 85% of babies born in 2023 shall be screened.
4.7	C4.R.2	Milestone	Review of the regulatory framework related to the Blood Bank, Tissue and Cell Centre	Online publication of review of the regulatory framework related to the Blood Bank, Tissue and Cell Centre				Q1	2022	The review shall: (i) scrutinise the regulatory framework related to blood, tissues and cells; and (ii) identify the legal changes required to remove any regulatory barriers and bottlenecks that may affect the functioning of the Centre. The study shall include a review of the following regulatory areas: 1. Blood, Tissue and Cell legislation; 2. Relevant environmental legislation; 3 Relevant organizational legislation (equal opportunities, data protection, ethics and patient rights, accessibility); and 4. State aid legislation. The review shall take into account the EU initiative on Revision of the Union legislation on blood, tissues and cells (https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12734-Blood-tissues-and-cells-for-medical-treatments-&-therapies-revised-EU-rules_en). The review shall be carried out by an independent contractor selected through public procurement procedures.
4.8	C4.R.2	Milestone	Entry into force of legal act(s) on the Blood Bank, Tissue and Cell Centre	Provisions in the legal Act(s) indicating the entry into force				Q2	2024	Entry into force of legal act(s): (a) to establish a Government Department operating the Blood Bank, Tissue and Cell Centre, and (b) to assign functions and responsibilities to the Government Department.
4.9	C4.I.1	Milestone	Contracted services for the construction of a Blood, Tissue and Cell Centre	Contract signed for the construction of a Blood, Tissue and Cell Centre				Q1	2023	Following public procurement, contract signed for the construction of a Blood, Tissue and Cell Centre.
4.10	C4.I.1	Milestone	Constructed Blood, Tissue and Cell Centre	Blood, Tissue and Cell Centre constructed and biomedical equipment installed				Q4	2025	The Blood, Tissue and Cell Centre shall be constructed and the biomedical equipment shall be installed.
4.11	C4.I.2	Milestone	Contract signed for the procurement of Magnetic Resonance Linear Accelerator equipment solution at Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre	Contract signed for the procurement of Magnetic Resonance Linear Accelerator (MR Linac) equipment solution at Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre				Q2	2022	Following public procurement, contract signed for the procurement of Magnetic Resonance Linear Accelerator equipment at Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre within Mater Dei Hospital.
4.12	C4.I.2	Milestone	Magnetic Resonance Linear Accelerator equipment operational and open to users	Magnetic Resonance Linear Accelerator equipment fully operational and open to users				Q2	2023	The Magnetic Resonance Linear Accelerator is operational and used for the treatment of patients at Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre.
4.13	C4.I.2	Milestone	All contracts signed for the digital pathology services at the histopathology department at Mater Dei hospital	All contracts signed for the digital pathology services at the histopathology department at Mater Dei hospital				Q2	2022	Following public procurement, contracts signed for a turnkey digital pathology service at the histopathology department of Mater Dei Hospital. The procurement process shall include: (a) software to handle the pre-analytical phase and provide seamless automation of specimen processes (incl. real time tracking of cases) that integrates with the current laboratory information management system (LIMS); (b) gross specimen imaging facilities and enabling software; (c) high throughput digital slide scanners and digital case management system; (d) networking server solutions, to facilitate real-time online storage facilities and archiving of slides as well as network points at various stations within the sectioning and processing rooms; and ( e) hardware, including PC’s at locations other than the laboratory to enable conference calls and multidisciplinary team meetings.
4.14	C4.I.2	Milestone	Delivery of equipment for digital pathology services at the histopathology department at Mater Dei hospital	Delivery of equipment for digital pathology services				Q2	2024	Delivery of equipment for digital pathology services at the histopathology department at Mater Dei Hospital.

E. COMPONENT 5: Enhancing Quality Education and Fostering Socio-Economic Sustainability

This component of the Maltese RRP contributes to addressing the challenges of high shares of early-school leavers and low-skilled adults, prevalent skills shortages, and the need to enhance the quality and inclusiveness of the education and training system. It further assesses the current pension and unemployment benefits system with a view to continue pursuing policy reforms to ensure their adequacy and sustainability. Its objective is to foster the resilience of Malta's workforce and society, also in light of the green and digital transitions.

Reforms in this component strengthen early school leaving intervention and prevention measures, expand guidance and opportunities for upskilling and reskilling for all adults and in particular for the low-skilled, enhance quality inclusive education for pupils with special needs, improve the education policy monitoring system and further develop the regular analysis and monitoring of the pension and unemployment benefits system to support its adequacy and sustainability.

The component contributes to addressing the country-specific recommendations related to quality and inclusive education (country-specific recommendations 2 2020 and 3 2019), the labour market (country-specific recommendation 2 2020), and the pension system (country-specific recommendation 1 2019).

E.1. Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Reform C5-R1: Strengthen early school leaving prevention measures, with a focus on skills acquisition

The objective of this reform is to prevent early school leaving and to contribute towards decreasing the early school leaving rate.

The reform consists of the provision of a literacy support programme (Reading recovery (RR) programme) for students, including respective teacher trainings, and the go-live of the Data Warehouse Solution.

Reform C5-R2: Strengthening skills development and recognition, with a particular focus on low-skilled adults

The objective of this reform is to increase upskilling and reskilling opportunities for adults.

The reform consists of an e-College complemented by a hub facility providing physical space, and elements included in the Roadmap on developing an adult learning guidance system, including capacity building for adult learning professionals and establishing guidance networks.

Reform C5-R3: Inclusive education

The objective of this reform is to increase quality inclusive education.

The reform consists of the roll out of multi-sensory learning rooms (MSLR) for students with severe needs in colleges, two autism units in middle schools, the continuous training in inclusive pedagogy for teachers and learning support educators, the acquisition of the IEP Module, circulars, and the publication of the revised Policy on Inclusive Education in Schools.

Reform C5-R4: Education policy

The objective of this reform is to establish an education policy monitoring system.

This reform consists of a Monitoring and Evaluation Report, and the appointment of two people to form part of the Policy Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate.

Reform C5-R5: Employment policy

The objective of this reform is to increase the resilience of the labour market.

This reform consists of a study on unemployment benefits in Malta including the recommendation of policy options, the publication of an external monitoring report of unemployment benefits in Malta, the issuance of certificates, the entry into force of the Work-Life Balance for Parents and Carers Regulations, the publication of the National Employment Policy 2021-2030, a training for educational personnel, the entry into force of a legal act, the publication of a report, and the publication of the Gender Equality and Mainstreaming Strategy Action Plan 2022-2027.

Reform C5-R6: Reviewing the sustainability and offering of Malta's pension system

The objective of this reform is to improve the long-term sustainability and adequacy of the pensions system.

This reform shall consist of the publication of an Action Plan outlining policy proposals, including legislative changes where relevant, to enhance the pension system's sustainability and adequacy, as a follow-up to the Pensions Review Report that assesses the current pension system and recommends policy actions, and the post-consultation feedback.

The reform shall be implemented by 31 December 2022.

E.2. Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

Sequential Number	Related Measure (Reform or Investment)	Milestone/ Target	Name	Qualitative indicators (for milestones)	Quantitative indicators (for targets)			Timeline for completion		Description of each milestone and target
					Unit of measure	Baseline	Goal	Quarter	Year
5.1	C5.R.1	Target	Number of students trained in the Reading Recovery (RR) Programme		Number	0	1 000	Q4	2024	1 000 students have received a Reading Recovery Programme certificate.
5.2	C5.R.1	Target	Teachers trained in the Reading Recovery (RR) Programme		Number	0	58	Q4	2023	58 teachers shall be trained in the Reading Recovery (RR) Programme as testified by certificates.
5.4	C5.R.1	Milestone	Data Warehouse Solution	Go-Live of the Data Warehouse Solution				Q3	2024	The acceptance report for the go-live of the Data Warehouse Solution has been signed by the contracting authority and the contractor.
5.5	C5.R.2	Milestone	Implementation of elements included in the Roadmap on developing a guidance system, capacity building for adult learning professionals and establishing guidance networks	Elements included in the Roadmap on developing a guidance system, capacity building for adult learning professionals and establishing guidance networks are implemented				Q2	2023	The following elements included in the Roadmap on developing a guidance system, including capacity building for adult learning professionals and establishing guidance networks shall be implemented: (i) The designation of a national hub, where any adult may ask for guidance for the trajectory towards upskilling and reskilling; (ii) Offer the possibility of having career and learning guidance in adult learning centres.
5.6	C5.R.2	Milestone	Launch of the e-College	e-College is operational, including guidance unit, online hub and desk				Q2	2022	The e-College shall be legally and practically operational with at least ten (10) courses covering different subject areas. The e-College shall possess at least a learning management system, a mentoring and guidance unit, an online hub and online coaches which assist learners.
5.8	C5.R.3	Target	Setting up of two autism units (physical spaces equipped with equipment and trained education personnel) in middle schools		Number	0	2	Q4	2021	Two new autism units (physical spaces) shall be completed and operational. Such units shall be available for student usage as required (white room - water bed & bubble tube). A maximum of 16 students may benefit from the first two Autism Units set up. Two (2) teachers and six (6) Learning Support Educators shall receive additional training in inclusive pedagogy and in the delivery of a functional curriculum with at least one (1) teacher and two (2) Learning Support Educators (LSEs) in each class. The training of teachers and LSEs shall be delivered in-house by practitioners at the National School Support Services (NSSS).
5.9	C5.R.3	Target	Setting-up of two new multi-sensory learning rooms (MSLR) (physical spaces equipped with equipment and trained education personnel) in colleges		Number	0	2	Q1	2022	Two new multi-sensory learning rooms (MSLR) shall be completed and operational. Such rooms shall be available for students' usage as required. One room shall be used as a sensory area and shall include items such as: ball pool, trampoline, peanut ball; and another shall be for general activity and shall include items such as: a kitchenette, a computer area and a calming area. There shall be at least one teacher in every class. The training of teachers shall be delivered in-house by practitioners at the National School Support Services (NSSS).
5.10	C5.R.3	Milestone	Acquisition of IEP Module, circulars, and the publication of the revised Policy on Inclusive Education in Schools	Acquisition of IEP Module, circulars, and the publication of the revised Policy on Inclusive Education in Schools				Q4	2025	The revised Policy on Inclusive Education in Schools shall be published. The Individual Education Plans (IEP) Module shall be acquired. The obligation for State schools to organise events at least once every term that recognise and celebrate diversity shall have entered into force by means of a circular. The obligation that State school mission statements include evidence of values of diversity and inclusion shall have entered into force by means of a circular.
5.11	C5.R.4	Milestone	Monitoring and Evaluation Report submitted and approval of appointment of two people within the Policy Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate	Submission to the Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for Education of the Monitoring and Evaluation Report by the Policy Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate. Approval of the appointment of two people within the Policy Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate				Q4	2025	The Monitoring and Evaluation Report by the Policy Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate shall be submitted to the Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for Education. The appointment of two people within the Policy Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate shall be approved by the Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for Education.
5.12	C5.R.5	Milestone	Assessment of unemployment benefits	Online publication of study on the assessment of unemployment benefits				Q2	2022	A study assessing unemployment benefits in Malta shall be completed and published. The study shall assess the situation and make concrete and detailed recommendations to the Government on how to improve effective coverage and achieve better adequacy of benefits, both in terms of duration and effective access, whilst enhancing the incentive to work.
5.13	C5.R.5	Milestone	Monitoring report on unemployment benefits in Malta	Publication of monitoring report				Q4	2024	An external monitoring report on unemployment benefits in Malta has been published.
5.14	C5.R.5	Milestone	Issuance of certificates, entry into force of the Work-Life Balance for Parents and Carers Regulations, and the publication of the National Employment Policy 2021-2030	Issuance of certificates, entry into force of the Work-Life Balance for Parents and Carers Regulations, and the publication of the National Employment Policy 2021-2030				Q3	2025	The National Employment Policy 2021-2030 shall be published. A total of 60 individual certificates in ‘Award in Maltese as a foreign language’ have been issued. A total of 30 individual certificates in ‘General Education Award in Accounts’ have been issued. The Work-Life Balance for Parents and Carers Regulations providing at least 10 working days of paternity leave without loss of wages shall enter into force.
5.15	C5.R.5	Milestone	Training for educational personnel, entry into force of a legal act, publication of a report, and publication of the Gender Equality and Mainstreaming Strategy and Action Plan 2022-2027	Training for educational personnel, entry into force of a legal act, publication of a report, and publication of the Gender Equality and Mainstreaming Strategy and Action Plan 2022-2027				Q4	2025	The Gender Equality and Mainstreaming Strategy and Action Plan 2022-2027 shall be published. At least one legal act that removes a previous differentiation between men and women shall enter into force. Training for educational personnel in tackling gender discrimination issues and stereotypes shall be delivered. The report entitled ‘Measuring Gender Equality: a gender analysis based on sex-disaggregated indicators’ by the Human Rights Directorate and the National Statistics Office shall be published.
5.16	C5.R.6	Milestone	Follow-up of the Pensions Review Report with policy proposals	Online publication of an Action Plan outlining policy proposals, including legislative changes where relevant, as a follow-up to the Pensions Review Report and the post-consultation feedback				Q4	2022	Publication of an Action Plan outlining policy proposals, including legislative changes where relevant, as a follow-up to the Pensions Review Report and the post-consultation feedback, with the objective to improve the long-term sustainability and adequacy of the pensions system.

F. COMPONENT 6: Strengthening the Institutional Framework

This component of the Maltese RRP addresses a number of institutional and governance challenges in the area of justice, the fight against corruption and money laundering, and taxation. On the justice system, weaknesses have been identified with respect to the independence of the judiciary, the lack of a separate prosecution service from the investigative branch, as well inefficiencies. The further digitalisation of the justice system is also expected to contribute to addressing these inefficiencies. Challenges have also been identified in the governance framework to effectively detect and prosecute corruption including, inter alia, structural flaws that prevented the independent and effective functioning of the Maltese Permanent Commission Against Corruption. With respect to money laundering, challenges relate to weak investigation and prosecution of money laundering cases and insufficient asset-tracing and confiscation regime for criminal proceeds. The situation is exacerbated by Malta’s citizenship and residence schemes and a rapid growth in recent years of internationally oriented activities such as financial services, virtual assets and remote gaming. On taxation, the absence of national provisions to provide for the effective taxation of inbound and outbound dividend, interest and royalty payments, Malta’s citizenship and residence schemes, and lacking transfer pricing rules provide room for aggressive tax planning practices for both companies and individuals.

The objective is to improve the capacity and governance of the justice system, reinforce the institutional framework to fight against corruption, strengthen the anti-money laundering regime and target aggressive tax planning. Several elements of this component are retroactive having already, in part, been implemented in 2020 and early 2021.

Reforms to improve the justice system include changes to the method of appointment and dismissal of the judiciary while also assessing and implementing the necessary remedial action to ensure the independence of specialised tribunals. The institutional framework capacity to fight corruption is expected to be reinforced through the implementation of the capacity building elements of the national anti-fraud and corruption strategy, the reform of the asset recovery bureau and through reforms targeting an important anti-corruption body, namely the Permanent Commission Against Corruption (PCAC). To strengthen the investigation of crimes, including corruption and money laundering, reforms include a new appointment procedure for the Commissioner of Police. On the prosecution front, the component proposes the creation of a separate prosecution service, while also implementing a judicial review of decisions not to prosecute by the Attorney General. Measures to strengthen the regime to counter money laundering and the financing of terrorism are also put forward in this component. In addition, four reforms target aggressive tax planning (ATP), namely by limiting the tax exemption for dividends coming from countries placed on the ‘Code of Conduct Group’ list of non-cooperative jurisdictions, introducing transfer pricing legislation, carrying out a study followed up by legislative amendments on measures relating to inbound and outbound dividends, interest and royalty payments, and finally spontaneously exchanging information on future applicants receiving Maltese citizenship under the citizenship scheme with their original tax jurisdictions.

This component also includes one investment that aims to improve the quality and efficiency of the judiciary system through its digitalisation.

The component contributes to addressing the country-specific recommendations related to judicial independence, anti-money laundering and aggressive tax planning (country-specific recommendations 4 2020,2 2019 and 3 2022).

F.1. Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Reform C6-R1: Reform the method of appointment and dismissal of the judiciary

The objective of this measure is to make the judiciary more independent.

This measure consists of the entry into force of legal act(s) on the appointment of the Chief Justice, the composition of the Judicial Appointments Committee, disciplinary procedures for members of the judiciary, public calls for vacancies for the judiciary, and entry into force of legal act(s) on the independence of specialised tribunals.

Reform C6-R2: Create a separate prosecution service

The objective of this measure is to make the prosecution services better function.

The reform consists of the transfer of prosecution cases from the police to the Attorney General’s office, and the Attorney General’s office recruiting additional officers.

Reform C6-R3: Reinforcing the institutional framework capacity to fight against corruption; Implementation of the National Anti-Fraud and Corruption Strategy (NAFCS)

The objective of this reform is to increase the capacity of the Maltese institutions to fight against corruption.

The measure consists of the update of the 2008 National Anti-Fraud and Corruption Strategy and actions related to the national risk assessment, training for officials in national authorities, documentary repository and whistle-blower database.

Reform C6-R4: Reform the Permanent Commission Against Corruption (PCAC)

The objective of the measure is to allow for a more independent functioning of the Permanent Commission Against Corruption (PCAC) with greater resources.

The measure consists of reforming the Permanent Commission against Corruption (PCAC), including how the Chairperson and members are appointed, and its operations and resources.

Reform C6-R5: Reform the Asset Recovery Bureau

The objective of this measure is to increase the powers and capacity of the Asset Recovery Bureau in order to support the role of law enforcement authorities in the fight against money laundering and financial crime.

The reform consists of the entry into force of the Proceeds of Crime Act (Act No. V of 2021) and the recruitment of staff in the Asset Recovery Bureau.

Reform C6-R6: A new appointment procedure of the Commissioner of Police

The objective of this measure is to strengthen the justice system, more specifically the investigation branch, by reforming the manner in which the Commissioner of Police is appointed.

The reform consists of the entry into force of Act XIX of 2020 introducing legal amendments to the Police Act (Chapter 164 of the Laws of Malta) and Article 92 of the Constitution to establish a transparent and competitive process of appointment for the office of Commissioner of Police. Under the new process, the Public Service Commission shall issue a public call for applications, shall evaluate the applications submitted and then shall draw up a shortlist indicating the two most suitable candidates. The Public Service Commission shall then refer this shortlist to the Cabinet of Ministers. The Cabinet shall consider both candidates and then shall nominate the most suitable candidate for a hearing before the Parliamentary Public Appointments Committee. If this Committee advises in favour of the appointment of the selected candidate, the Prime Minister shall appoint the selected candidate after consultation with the Public Service Commission.

This is a retroactive measure that was approved by Parliament in April 2020.

Reform C6-R7: Implementation of the reform concerning the judicial review of decisions not to prosecute and other decisions of the Attorney General. This includes the assignment of the status of injured party at law to specific institutions when reporting a corrupt practice

The objective of this reform is to ensure that the decisions of the Public Prosecutor not to prosecute are subject to judicial review.

This measure consists of the entry into force of legal act(s) giving specific anti-corruption bodies the status of injured party at law, and an independent review and legal changes concerning injured parties to appeal the decision of the Attorney General not to prosecute.

Reform C6-R8: Strengthening Malta’s anti-money laundering/combating terrorists financing/targeted financial sanctions (AML/CFT/TFS)

The objective of this measure is to ensure a sustainable, proactive, responsive and effective anti-money laundering framework that may respond to ever changing money-laundering and terrorist financing risks.

The reform shall consist of the implementation of the national anti-money laundering/combating terrorist financing/target financial sanctions (AML/CFT/TFS) strategy and action plan for 2021-2023, which replaces the implemented Strategy for 2017-2020. The reform shall implement all the actions, which focus on seven policy goals defined in the national AML/CMT/TFS strategy and action plan for 2021-2023.

The reform shall also provide adequate training and outreach for the relevant members of NCC. Finally, the reform also requires FATF’s written conclusion that Malta is no longer subject to the FATF’s increased monitoring process.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2023.

Reform C6-R9: Aggressive Tax Planning (ATP) - Code of Conduct Group

The objective of this measures is to remove the possibility of exempting the dividends derived from bodies of persons resident in jurisdictions listed in the Code of Conduct Group list of non-cooperative jurisdictions from being taxed in Malta.

The reform shall abolish the so-called participation exemption which allows dividend income or capital gains derived from a participating holding (usually an equity shareholding of at least 5%) to be exempted from tax in Malta. Specifically, dividends derived from the body of persons resident in jurisdictions that have been listed in the ‘Code of Conduct Group’ list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for at least three months shall not qualify for such an exemption. To apply this new provision, the reform shall also increase the number of investigators dedicated to the scrutiny of taxpayers' declarations.

The reform shall be implemented by 30 September 2022.

Reform C6-R10: Specific Transfer Pricing Legislation

The objective of the measure is to prevent loss of public revenues through international tax arbitrage.

The reform shall introduce enabling provisions for transfer pricing legislation in Malta’s legislative framework. A consultation process shall follow before specific rules on transfer pricing relating to the arms-length principle and advanced pricing agreements are proposed. Finally, such specific transfer rules on transfer pricing shall enter into force. Training of involved parties (for example tax practitioners and company representatives) shall also be carried out before the rules become applicable.

The reform shall be finalised by 31 December 2023.

Reform C6-R11: Study on the relevance of measures relating to inbound and outbound dividend, interest and royalty payments

The objective of the measure is to further mitigate aggressive tax planning risks.

The measure consists of an independent study and entry into force of legal act(s) concerning inbound and outbound dividend, interest and royalty payments.

Reform C6-R12: Mitigating against ATP risks by individuals

The objective of the measure is to mitigate aggressive tax planning risks stemming from the citizenship-by-investment scheme.

The reform shall implement a due diligence procedure to determine the original jurisdictions of tax residence of applicants of the Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment and inform the tax authorities of the original jurisdictions of tax residence about the applicants being granted Maltese citizenship. The entry into force of the procedure shall be determined by the publication of the respective revised guidelines and application forms.

The measure shall be implemented by 31 March 2022.

Investment C6-I1: Digitalisation in the justice system

The objective of this measure is to digitalise the administration of justice in line with the Digital Justice Strategy.

The investment consists of digital solutions and tools for the justice system.

F.2. Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

Sequential Number	Related Measure (Reform or Investment)	Milestone / Target	Name	Qualitative indicators (for milestones)	Quantitative indicators (for targets)			Timeline for completion		Description of each milestone and target
					Unit of measure	Baseline	Goal	Quarter	Year
6.1	C6.R.1	Milestone	Entry into force of Act XLV of 2020; and Act XLIII of 2020	Provision in the law indicating the entry into force of Act XLV of 2020 and Act XLIII of 2020				Q3	2020	The Constitution was amended for the purpose of providing for the appointment of the Chief Justice with the approval of two-thirds of all the Members of the House of Representatives; for a change in the composition of the Judicial Appointments Committee so that the majority of its members are members of the judiciary; and to provide for the issuing of public calls for vacancies within the judiciary. Act XLV of 2020 establishes a new procedure through which members of the judiciary may be removed from the Bench or undergo disciplinary procedures.
6.2	C6.R.1	Target	Additional members of the judiciary		Number	42	47	Q2	2021	Following the adoption of Act XLIII of 2020, a call for applications for the appointment of four judges was published in the Government Gazette on 12 February 2021 and were appointed to the Bench in mid-April 2021 resulting in an increase in the headcount of Judges by three. Apart from this, the call for applications for the appointment of four Magistrates was published on 20 April 2021 and were appointed in June 2021 resulting in an increase in the headcount of Magistrates by two. This results in a net increase of five members of the judiciary.
6.4	C6.R.1	Milestone	Publication in the Government Gazette of the legal act(s) on the independence of specialised tribunals	Publication in the Government Gazette of the legal act(s) on the independence of specialised tribunals				Q1	2026	A review of the independence of specialised tribunals shall be carried out by the Maltese authorities, which shall include at least (i) an assessment of the guarantees of independence for appointments of members to said specialised tribunals, (ii) an assessment of the guarantees which provide for the tribunals' decisions to be reviewed by the ordinary courts of appeal, and (iii) measures to address the independence of specialised tribunals. Publication in the Government Gazette of legal act(s) on the independence of specialised tribunals, taking into account the urgent opinion of the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission published in July 2026. The legal act(s) shall enter into force after a reasonable transition period and no later than 31 December 2026. Such entry into force shall be automatic and shall not entail any further legal implementing measures.
6.5	C6.R.2	Milestone	Independent review on the transfer of offences and summary cases from the Police to the Attorney General’s Office	Independent review on the transfer of offences and summary cases from the Police to the Attorney General's Office				Q4	2024	A review shall be undertaken by an independent contractor on the transfer of offences and summary cases from the Police to the Attorney General’s Office. The review shall formulate policy recommendations for the shift of offences and summary cases. The executive summary of the review shall be published.
6.6	C6.R.2	Milestone	Publication in the Government Gazette of the legal act(s) on the transfer of at least 30 categories of offences in 2026, from the Police to the Attorney General's Office	Publication in the Government Gazette of the legal act(s) on the transfer of offences in 2026				Q1	2026	Publication in the Government Gazette of the legal act(s) on the transfer of at least 30 categories of offences in 2026. The legal act(s) shall enter into force after a reasonable period and no later than 31 December 2026. Such entry into force shall be automatic and shall not entail any further legal implementing measures.
6.7	C6.R.2	Target	Capacity building within the AG’s Office		Number	56	87	Q4	2022	According to the Attorney General's Office Human Resources Plan (2021), a total of 31 new officers shall be employed within the Office by the end of 2022. These shall include the addition of new lawyers, Legal Procurators, managers - including senior managers - ICT officers, as well as other administrative and support staff.
6.8	C6.R.2	Milestone	Transfer of cases to the Attorney General's Office	Transfer of cases to the Attorney General's Office				Q4	2024	Entry into force of legal act(s) that shall grant the Attorney General the power to decide whether a prosecution shall be instituted in at least 30 categories of offences.
6.9	C6.R.2	Milestone	Entry into force of Act No. XXVIII of 2021 entitled Criminal Code (Amendment No.5) Act	Provision in the law indicating the entry into force of Act No. XXVIII of 2021 entitled Criminal Code (Amendment No.5) Act				Q2	2021	Act No. XXVIII of 2021 entitled Criminal Code (Amendment No.5) Act, entered into force on 4 June 2021, provides for the necessary changes to be made to the Criminal Code in order to provide more legislative clarity following the taking over of prosecutions of serious offences by the Attorney General.
6.10	C6.R.3	Milestone	Update of the 2008 National Anti-Fraud and Corruption Strategy	Online publication of the Updated National Anti-Fraud and Corruption Strategy				Q2	2021	The National Anti-Fraud and Corruption Strategy aims to ensure a normative, institutional and operational framework for the effective and efficient fight against fraud and corruption in Malta, reflecting local requirements and international obligations. The updated Strategy was made public when it was tabled in Parliament in the second quarter of 2021.
6.11	C6.R.3	Milestone	National Risk Assessment and follow up strategy on fraud and corruption.	Online publication of the National Fraud Risk Assessment.				Q3	2022	In line with Action Point 3 of the NAFCS, a National Risk Assessment (NRA) shall be undertaken by the Co-ordinating Committee set up according to the Internal Audit and Financial Investigations Act (Cap 461 of the Laws of Malta) and published. The aim of the NRA is to (i) maintain an effective risk-based regime to combat fraud and corruption; (ii) prioritise and allocate public sector resources efficiently; (iii) help National Authorities to assess the adequacy of their controls and strengthen them where necessary; (iv) increase awareness among the general public; and (v) update the present Action Plan which is an integral part of the NAFCS.
6.12	C6.R.3	Target	Training programmes on anti-corruption		Number	0	2	Q1	2024	Two training programmes, on Corruption Investigation and Corruption Risk Management, shall be delivered.
6.13	C6.R.3	Milestone	Document Repository System	Document Repository System accessible to institutions forming part of the Co-ordinating Committee				Q4	2024	A document repository system shall be made accessible to the institutions forming part of the Co-ordinating Committee.
6.14	C6.R.3	Milestone	Database collating whistleblowing data	Database of whistleblowing data				Q2	2026	A database of whistleblowing data shall include (i) number of complaints received; (ii) when the complaints were received; (iii) when the complaints were concluded; (iv) when the whistle-blower was informed of the outcome; and (v) sectors reported.
6.15	C6.R.4	Milestone	Entry into force of Act XLVI of 2020	Provision in the law indicating the entry into force of Act XLVI of 2020				Q3	2020	Act XLVI of 2020 grants further statutory reinforcement to the Permanent Commission Against Corruption (PCAC). The Act specifies the provisions on how the Chairperson and members of the Commission are appointed. The Act specifies that if in the PCAC’s opinion the conduct being investigated is corrupt or connected with or conducive to corrupt practices, the report is to be transmitted to the Attorney General.
6.16	C6.R.4	Milestone	Recruitment of staff and increase of budget for the Permanent Commission Against Corruption	Recruitment of staff and increase of budget				Q4	2024	The Permanent Commission Against Corruption shall have an increased budget for 2024 (compared to the budget for 2021) and recruit at least two people.
6.17	C6.R.4	Milestone	Digital registry of information on corruption cases shall be accessible by the Permanent Commission Against Corruption (PCAC)	Digital registry on corruption cases accessible by the Permanent Commission Against Corruption				Q4	2024	A digital registry of cases shall be accessible to the Permanent Commission Against Corruption.
6.18	C6.R.4	Milestone	Publication of an internal Standard Operating Procedure for the Permanent Commission Against Corruption (PCAC)	Internal Standard Operating Procedure published				Q4	2024	Publication of an internal Standard Operating Procedure which shall provide instructions to help workers carrying out operations. The procedure shall include: (i) overview of legal act(s) relating to the PCAC; (ii) functions executed by the PCAC; (iii) definitions relating to corruption and collusion; (iv) overview of legal act(s) and reporting channels relating to whistle-blower protection; (v) monitoring and compliance; (vi) record keeping/register; (vii) responsibilities of the administrative staff; (viii) procedures for investigations; and (ix) information on training and communication.
6.19	C6.R.5	Target	Increase the number of staff at the Asset Recovery Bureau		Number	0	27	Q4	2023	A total of 27 officers (full-time equivalent) shall be recruited within the Asset Recovery Bureau, including research officers, managerial level officials as well as administrative and support staff.
6.19a	C6.R.5	Target	Recruitment of 7 people within the Asset Recovery Bureau		Number	0	7	Q4	2025	Seven people (full-time equivalent) shall be recruited within the Asset Recovery Bureau.
6.20	C6.R.5	Milestone	Entry into force of the Proceeds of Crime Act V of 2021	Provision in the law indicating the entry into force of the Proceeds of Crime Act V of 2021				Q1	2021	The Proceeds of Crime Act (Act No. V of 2021) redefines the structure of the Asset Recovery Bureau, whilst outlining its relationship with and reinforcing its independence from the Government.
6.21	C6.R.6	Milestone	Entry into force of Act XIX of 2020 amending the Police Act	Provision in the law indicating the entry into force of Act XIX of 2020 amending the Police Act				Q2	2020	Act XIX of 2020 amends the Police Act (Chapter 164 of the Laws of Malta) and Article 92 of the Constitution of Malta to establish a transparent and competitive process of appointment for the office of Commissioner of Police.
6.22	C6.R.7	Milestone	Entry into force of Act No XLI of 2020 on the judicial review of decisions not to prosecute by the Attorney General	Entry into force of Act No XLI of 2020				Q3	2020	Act XLI of 2020 amends the Constitution, the Criminal Code, and the Code of Organisation and Civil Procedure. It provides for a judicial review of decisions of the Attorney General not to prosecute on the ground of illegality or unreasonableness. The Permanent Commission Against Corruption (PCAC), the Ombudsman, the Commissioner for Standards of Public Life and the Auditor General have all been given the status of injured party at law. These institutions may therefore seek judicial review individually in cases referred by them to the Attorney General in the same manner as the injured party.
6.23	C6.R.7	Milestone	Independent review of the provision for injured parties (in Act XLI of 2020) to appeal the decision of the Attorney General not to prosecute	Delivery of independent review of the provision for injured parties (in Act XLI of 2020) to appeal the decision of the Attorney General not to prosecute				Q2	2024	The independent qualitative review shall assess (i) whether an appeal against non-prosecution by the Attorney General should also be made possible when there is no prosecution within a reasonable time, and (ii) whether the “injured parties” mentioned in Act XLI of 2020 should also be able to appeal against non-prosecution in all cases.
6.24	C6.R.7	Milestone	Entry into force of legal act(s) on the judicial review for injured parties to appeal the decision of the Attorney General not to prosecute	Provision indicating entry into force of legal act(s)				Q1	2026	Taking into account the recommendations of the independent review of the provision for injured parties (in Act XLI of 2020) to appeal the decision of the Attorney General not to prosecute, legal act(s) shall enter into force in order to adjust the possibility of the 'injured parties' mentioned in Act XLI of 2020 being able to: (i) appeal against non-prosecution by the Attorney General when there is no prosecution within a reasonable time; (ii) appeal against non-prosecution in all cases and not only when they reported these acts to the Attorney General.
6.25	C6.R.8	Milestone	Completed implementation of the action plan of the National anti-money laundering/combating terrorist financing/targeted financial sanctions (AML/CFT/TFS) strategy and action plan for 2021 – 2023	Online publication of the final report demonstrating that the action plan of the national AML/CMT/TFS strategy and action plan for 2021-2023 has been fully implemented				Q4	2023	All the actions under the seven Policy Goals defined in the national AML/CMT/TFS strategy and action plan for 2021-2023 (including a new iteration of the national risk assessment) have been fully implemented. This shall be demonstrated in a final report published by the National Coordinating Committee on Combating Money Laundering and Funding of Terrorism (NCC) following consultation with the main stakeholders. The main stakeholders shall include the Ministries responsible for Finance and Justice, the Asset Recovery Bureau, the Central Bank of Malta, the Commissioner for Revenue, Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU), Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), Malta Police Force and the Attorney General.
6.26	C6.R.8	Target	Number of annual AML/CFT trainings		Number	5	10	Q2	2022	10 AML/CFT trainings shall be provided in 2021. The specific content of the courses shall be specified on the basis of the training needs identified by the specific NCC subcommittee that coordinates AML/CFT/CPF training and outreach initiatives. Training shall be open in particular to the members of the same sub-committee. Members of this sub-committee are the: - Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) - Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) - Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) - Malta Police Force (MPF) - Office of the Attorney General (AGO) - Office of the Commissioner for Revenue (OCfR) - Malta Security Services (MSS) - Malta Business Registry (MBR) - Department of Customs - Asset Recovery Bureau (ARB) - Office of the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations (OCVO) - Sanctions Monitoring Board (SMB).
6.27	C6.R.8	Milestone	Lifting of the increased monitoring process by FATF	FATF’s written conclusion that Malta is no longer subject to the FATF’s increased monitoring process				Q4	2023	The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has provided an evaluation of Malta’s AML framework in June 2021 and issued an action plan. The milestone requires FATF’s written conclusion that Malta is no longer subject to the FATF’s increased monitoring process.
6.28	C6.R.9	Milestone	Entry into force of a revised corporate tax return to collect information on dividends derived from bodies of persons resident in jurisdictions listed in the Code of Conduct Group list non-cooperative jurisdictions.	Entry into force of a revised corporate tax return				Q2	2022	Entry into force of revised corporate tax return for the fiscal year 2021. This is an administrative measure through which the tax return shall request data relative to dividends derived from bodies of persons resident in jurisdictions listed in the Code of Conduct Group list of non-cooperative jurisdictions.
6.29	C6.R.9	Target	Assignment of dedicated staff for the scrutiny of taxpayers in this area of taxation	Assignment of dedicated staff for the scrutiny of taxpayers in this area of taxation	Number	0	2	Q3	2022	Two investigators are assigned to work full time for the scrutiny of taxpayers in respect of holdings in bodies of persons resident in jurisdictions listed in the Code of Conduct Group list of non-cooperative jurisdictions.
6.30	C6.R.10	Milestone	Entry into force of the relevant enabling provision for the introduction of transfer pricing rules	Provision in the law indicating entry into force of the relevant enabling provision for the introduction of transfer pricing rules				Q2	2021	The legal provisions (Budget Measures Implementation Act) required for the introduction of transfer pricing are enacted and fully in force.
6.31	C6.R.10	Milestone	Consultation of stakeholders and drafting of specific transfer-pricing rules	Consultation of stakeholders and drafting of specific transfer-pricing rules completed and the draft legal notice transmitted to the Cabinet for approval				Q2	2022	The consultation with stakeholders is completed. The draft legal notice on specific transfer pricing rules is transmitted to Cabinet for approval. The consultation shall aim to obtain information that has relevance to the scope and the procedure relating to advance pricing agreements. The main stakeholders shall be made up of representative bodies of professionals that deal with taxation matters and shall include accountants, lawyers and other tax practitioners.
6.32	C6.R.10	Milestone	Entry into force of specific transfer-pricing rules	Entry into force of specific transfer-pricing rules				Q4	2022	Entry into force of specific rules relating to the arms-length principle and advanced pricing agreements. These rules shall become applicable as from Q1 of 2024.
6.33	C6.R.10	Target	Tasking and training of staff by tax authorities to specialise on application of transfer pricing rules		Number	2	8	Q2	2023	Additional six officials are tasked to work on transfer pricing. All eight officials working on the application of transfer pricing rules are trained to work with the Office of the Commissioner for Revenue. It is envisaged that training shall take the form of courses whereby each officer shall receive a minimum of 80 hours of training on transfer pricing.
6.34	C6.R.10	Target	Training events for tax practitioners and company representatives		Number	0	2	Q4	2023	At least two training events shall be provided spanning a total of 12 hours and shall cover topics such as, but not limited to, the scope, Advance Pricing Agreements and transfer pricing methods. A total target audience of at least 250 tax practitioners and company representatives are invited for these events.
6.35	C6.R.11	Milestone	Study concerning measures relating to inbound and outbound dividend, interest and royalty payments	The full study concerning measures relating to inbound and outbound dividend, interest and royalty payments is shared with the European Commission				Q4	2022	The study shall be provided by an independent contractor engaged through public procurement procedures. The study shall analyse the state of play and provide recommendations for legal measures necessary to address outbound and inbound dividend, interest and royalty payments, between companies established in Malta and related companies established in jurisdictions that either form part of the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions or that are considered to be zero-tax or low-tax jurisdictions. The recommendations shall provide analysis and concrete proposals to strengthen anti-Base Erosion and Profit Shifting measures to prevent tax fraud and tax evasion. The Executive Summary shall be published on the government’s website and the full study shall be shared with the European Commission.
6.36	C6.R.11	Milestone	Entry into force of legal act(s) related to inbound and outbound payments	Provision in the legal act(s) indicating the entry into force				Q3	2024	Entry into force of legal act(s) to mitigate risks identified from the study on inbound and outbound payments including dividends, interest and royalties.
6.37	C6.R.12	Milestone	Entry into force of spontaneous exchange of information (SEOI)	Publication of the guidelines and application forms requiring spontaneous exchange of information				Q1	2022	Entry into force of a spontaneous exchange of information mechanism, whereby Malta’s tax authorities exchange information with original jurisdictions of tax residence of successful applicants of the Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (Citizenship Regulations) that are party to the OECD Convention on Mutual Assistance in Tax Matters and to other jurisdictions that are not party to this Convention but with which Malta has a bilateral exchange of information mechanism in place, about persons that shall be granted citizenship under this scheme in future. The entry into force is determined by the publication of the respective revised guidelines and application forms.
6.38	C6.I.1	Milestone	Entry into force of (i) Act No. LIII of 2020 (Amendment No. 2); and (ii) Act No. III of 2021 (Amendment No. 2) on digitalisation of the law courts.	Entry into force of (i) Act No. LIII of 2020 (Amendment No. 2) and (ii) Act No. III of 2021 (Amendment No. 2) on digitalisation of Law Courts				Q1	2021	Act LIII of 2020 (Amendment No. 2) amended the Code of Organization and Civil Procedure and made it possible for civil proceedings to be held via live video conferencing facilities. Act III of 2021 (Amendment No. 2) amended the Criminal Code and made it possible for criminal judicial acts to be filed electronically.
6.39	C6.I.1	Target	Expenditure incurred for the digitalisation of the justice system		EUR	0	2 000 000	Q4	2023	At least EUR 2 000 000 has been paid out in line with contractual obligations in relation to the digitalisation of the Justice system. The investment shall consist of: (a) Mapping of Processes & Redesign of Processes towards end-to-end Digital Processes, Project Management, Legal and overall Consultancy and CBA Support; and (b) a number of digital solutions, including (i) Courts of Justice Agency: Laptops and working stations for increased mobility of users; (ii) Courts of Justice Agency: Virtual Sittings Solution; (iii) Courts of Justice Agency: Wi-Fi; (iv) Legal Aid Case Management System; (v) Freedom of Information System; (vi) Conference and training rooms equipment and software; (vii) Experimentation and Specialisation Initiatives.
6.40	C6.I.1	Target	Expenditure incurred for the digitalisation of the justice system		EUR	2 000 000	4 750 000	Q2	2026	At least EUR 2 750 000 has been paid out in relation to the digitalisation of the Justice system through a number of digital solutions, including (i) Courts of Justice Agency; Virtual Sittings Solution; (ii) Courts of Justice Agency; Wi-Fi; (iii) Criminal Record Certificate System; (iv) State Advocate case management system; (v) Freedom of Information System; (vi) Asset Recovery System; (vii) NTG Termination of Mandates Solution; (viii) Integrated closed circuit television and security system; (ix) Conference/Training Rooms equipment and software; (x) Experimentation and Specialisation Initiatives; (xi) Mediation Centre Information System; (xii) Ministry responsible for justice: Laptops and working stations; (xiii) Mapping of Processes & Redesign of Processes towards end-to-end Digital Processes, Project Management, Legal and overall Consultancy and CBA Support.

G. Component 7: REPowerEU

The REPowerEU chapter addresses the challenge of reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The objectives of the component are to facilitate the deployment of renewable energy sources and to increase the capacity of the electricity distribution network while helping to integrate renewable energy sources.

Investment into the strengthening and widening of the electricity network has a cross-border dimension, especially in the Mediterranean region. The investment is expected to allow to construct a feeder link with the second Malta-Italy electricity interconnector, thereby contributing to a more integrated common energy market, securing the energy supply in the Union as a whole and creating European added value.

The REPowerEU chapter contributes to addressing the Country Specific Recommendation (Country Specific Recommendation 4 in 2022) and in particular, reducing the overall reliance on fossil fuels by accelerating the deployment of renewables, promoting and enabling investments in wind and solar energy, further upgrading Malta’s electricity transmission and distribution grids, and creating incentives for electricity storage to supply firm, flexible and fast-responding energy.

It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).

G.1. Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Reform C7-R1: Review of permit-granting procedures for renewable energy projects and of requirements for buildings

The objective of this reform is to increase the share of renewables in Malta’s energy mix.

The reform consists of the entry into force of legal act(s) setting shortened timelines for permit-granting procedures for renewable energy projects and in the introduction of new requirements for renewable energy generation in buildings.

Investment C7-I1: Works and equipment for distribution centres; supply, trenching and laying of cables

The objective of this investment is to address internal electricity transmission and distribution bottlenecks, which also facilitates the integration of renewable energy.

The measure consists of the signature of contracts and the provision of partial or provisional acceptance certificates for distribution centres and cables.

Investment C7-I2: Reduction of primary energy demand of private sector buildings

The objective of this investment is to continue the investment commenced in C1-I1, namely to increase energy efficiency, reduce energy demand, lower carbon emissions and limit energy waste in private sector buildings.

The investment consists of the reduction of primary energy demand (PED) of at least 30% in private buildings.

G.2. Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

Sequential Number	Related Measure (Reform or Investment)	Milestone / Target	Name	Qualitative indicators (for milestones)	Quantitative indicators (for targets)			Timeline for completion		Description of each milestone and target
					Unit of measure	Baseline	Goal	Quarter	Year
7.1	C7.R.1	Milestone	New requirements for renewable energy generation in residential and non-residential buildings	Provision in the legal act(s) indicating the entry into force				Q2	2024	Entry into force of legal act(s) that shall require compliance with the updated Technical Document F introducing new requirements for renewable energy generation in residential and non-residential buildings.
7.3	C7.R.1	Milestone	Entry into force of legal act(s) setting shortened timelines for permit-granting procedures of renewable energy installations on greenhouses and renewable energy projects	Provision in the legal act(s) indicating the entry into force				Q4	2024	The legal act(s) shall set shortened timelines for permit-granting procedures of (i) renewable energy installations on greenhouses and (ii) renewable energy projects.
7.4	C7.I.1	Milestone	Signature of contracts for investments in distribution centres and cables	Signature of contracts for investments in distribution centres and cables				Q4	2024	Contracts shall be signed for the following: 1) installation or commissioning of a 132kV distributing feeder line or cable circuit; 2) construction works and supply of equipment for two distribution centres; 3) civil works and supply of equipment for the Hospital and Mosta distribution centres; 4) 15km of cables.
7.6	C7.I.1	Milestone	Distribution centres and cables	Partial or provisional acceptance certificates for distribution centres, cables and a distribution feeder line or cable circuit				Q2	2026	Partial acceptance certificates shall be provided for: 1) a 132kV distributing feeder line or cable circuit; 2) construction and equipment for two distribution centres; 3) civil works and equipment for the Hospital distribution centre; 4) trenching and laying of 57km of cables. Provisional acceptance certificates shall be provided for: 1) civil works and equipment for the Mosta distribution centre; 2) supply of 57km of cables.
7.7	C7.I.2	Target	Reduction of primary energy demand in private sector buildings		Percentage	0	30%	Q2	2026	Reduction of primary energy demand (PED) of at least 30% in private buildings covering an area of at least 40 605 m2.

2. Estimated total cost of the recovery and resilience plan

The estimated total costs of the modified RRP including the REPowerEU chapter of Malta is EUR 329 083 116.

The estimated total costs of the REPowerEU chapter is EUR 74 555 027. In particular, the estimated total costs of the measures referred to in Article 21c(3), point (a) of Regulation (EU) 2023/435 is EUR 0 whilst the costs of the other measures in the REPowerEU chapter is EUR 74 555 027.

SECTION 2: FINANCIAL SUPPORT

1.Financial contribution

The instalments referred to in Article 2(2) shall be organised in the following manner:

1.1.First Instalment (non-repayable support):

Sequential Number

Related Measure (Reform or Investment)

Milestone/Target

Name

1.1

C1.R.1

Milestone

Entry into force of the Building and Construction Authority Act

1.5

C1.R.2

Milestone

Entry into force of the updated Environment Protection Act

1.8

C1.R.2

Milestone

Adoption of the Construction and Demolition Waste Strategy for Malta

1.22

C1.I.3

Milestone

Energy Performance Audit of two Public Schools

2.1

C2.R.1

Milestone

National Household Travel Survey

2.6

C2.R.4

Milestone

Agreement with Local Councils Association on the regeneration areas in urban areas

2.9

C2.R.5

Target

15 office facilities that enable remote work for public service officials across the Maltese Islands operational

3.3

C3.R.2

Milestone

Adoption of Malta's Smart Specialisation Strategy

5.8

C5.R.3

Target

Setting up of two autism units (physical spaces equipped with equipment and trained education personnel) in middle schools

6.1

C6.R.1

Milestone

Entry into force of Act XLV of 2020; and Act XLIII of 2020

6.2

C6.R.1

Target

Additional members of the judiciary

6.9

C6.R.2

Milestone

Entry into force of Act No. XXVIII of 2021 entitled Criminal Code (Amendment No.5) Act

6.10

C6.R.3

Milestone

Update of the 2008 National Anti-Fraud and Corruption Strategy

6.15

C6.R.4

Milestone

Entry into force of Act XLVI of 2020

6.20

C6.R.5

Milestone

Entry into force of the Proceeds of Crime Act V of 2021

6.21

C6.R.6

Milestone

Entry into force of Act XIX of 2020 amending the Police Act

6.22

C6.R.7

Milestone

Entry into force of Act No XLI of 2020 on the judicial review of decisions not to prosecute by the Attorney General

6.30

C6.R.10

Milestone

Entry into force of the relevant enabling provision for the introduction of transfer pricing rules

6.38

C6.I.1

Milestone

Entry into force of (i) Act No. LIII of 2020 (Amendment No. 2); and (ii) Act No. III of 2021 (Amendment No. 2) on digitalisation of the law courts

Instalment Amount

EUR 60 116 664

1.2.Second Instalment (non-repayable support):

Sequential Number

Related Measure (Reform or Investment)

Milestone/Target

Name

1.3

C1.R.1

Milestone

Training and certification of professionals in the construction industry

1.9

C1.R.2

Milestone

Adoption of standards for the Construction Industry

1.11

C1.R.2

Milestone

Recovery of construction and demolition waste through backfilling void spaces (quarries)

1.12

C1.R.2

Milestone

Setting up of five municipal regional bodies responsible for waste collection across Malta and Gozo

1.13

C1.R.2

Milestone

Entry into force of revised legislation on packaging material to allow for the regional collection of packaging waste

1.17

C1.I.1

Milestone

Launch of call for applications for grants targeting the renovation of private sector buildings

1.19

C1.I.2

Milestone

Energy Performance Audit of Mount Carmel Public Hospital

1.23

C1.I.3

Milestone

Contracted services for the renovation of two Public Schools

1.25

C1.I.4

Milestone

Contracted services for construction works of a near carbon neutral school

2.4

C2.R.3

Milestone

Publication of the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan for the Valletta Region

2.8

C2.R.5

Milestone

Publication of the Remote Working Policy for Government Employees

2.15

C2.I.2

Milestone

Open call for applications for electric vehicles and bicycles in the private sector, including scrappage scheme

3.1

C3.R.1

Milestone

Launch of a scholarship scheme for students to become ICT professionals

3.10

C3.I.3

Target

Expenditure incurred in relation to the modern digital workplace and solutions to improve the front-end customer experience

3.14

C3.I.4

Milestone

Launch of the calls for applications

4.1

C4.R.1

Milestone

Study on barriers and facilitators for better integration and wellbeing of the foreign workforce

4.5

C4.R.1

Milestone

Report on obesity prevalence amongst 4–5-year-olds in the Maltese population

4.7

C4.R.2

Milestone

Review of the regulatory framework related to the Blood Bank, Tissue and Cell Centre

4.11

C4.I.2

Milestone

Contract signed for the procurement of Magnetic Resonance Linear Accelerator equipment solution at Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre

4.13

C4.I.2

Milestone

All contracts signed for the digital pathology services at the histopathology department at Mater Dei hospital

5.6

C5.R.2

Milestone

Launch of the e-College

5.9

C5.R.3

Target

Setting-up of two new multi-sensory learning rooms (MSLR) (physical spaces equipped with equipment and trained education personnel) in colleges

5.12

C5.R.5

Milestone

Assessment of unemployment benefits

5.16

C5.R.6

Milestone

Follow-up of the Pensions Review Report with policy proposals

6.7

C6.R.2

Target

Capacity building within the AG’s Office

6.11

C6.R.3

Milestone

National Risk Assessment and follow up strategy on fraud and corruption

6.26

C6.R.8

Target

Number of annual AML/CFT trainings

6.28

C6.R.9

Milestone

Entry into force of a revised corporate tax return to collect information on dividends derived from bodies of persons resident in jurisdictions listed in the Code of Conduct Group list non-cooperative jurisdictions

6.29

C6.R.9

Target

Assignment of dedicated staff for the scrutiny of taxpayers in this area of taxation

6.31

C6.R.10

Milestone

Consultation of stakeholders and drafting of specific transfer-pricing rules

6.32

C6.R.10

Milestone

Entry into force of specific transfer-pricing rules

6.35

C6.R.11

Milestone

Study concerning measures relating to inbound and outbound dividend, interest and royalty payments

6.37

C6.R.12

Milestone

Entry into force of spontaneous exchange of information (SEOI)

Instalment Amount

EUR 78 055 270

1.3.Third Instalment (non-repayable support):

Sequential Number	Related Measure (Reform or Investment)	Milestone/Target	Name
1.2	C1.R.1	Milestone	Building and Construction Authority equipped with resources
1.4	C1.R.1	Target	Professionals in the construction industry eligible for a certificate
1.10	C1.R.2	Milestone	Entry into force of a new regulatory framework for the management of construction and demolition waste
1.15	C1.I.1	Milestone	Contracted services for the renovation of public buildings
1.24	C1.I.3	Target	Reduced primary energy demand in two Public Schools
1.26	C1.I.4	Target	Construction of a near-carbon neutral school completed
2.3	C2.R.2	Milestone	Access to fare-free scheduled road public transport for all holders of a personalised Tallinja Card
2.10	C2.R.6	Milestone	Completion of study on enhanced mobility management in the Maltese public service
2.16	C2.I.2	Target	Number of grants awarded for electric vehicles under the scheme for the private sector
2.18	C2.I.3	Milestone	Contracted services for the supply of electric vehicles for the public service fleet
3.2	C3.R.1	Target	Individuals supported to mitigate digital divide
3.5	C3.I.1	Target	Increased uptime of the Digital Backbone
4.2	C4.R.1	Milestone	Bespoke tool for workforce planning
4.6	C4.R.1	Target	Implementation of neonatal hearing screening programme
4.9	C4.I.1	Milestone	Contracted services for the construction of a Blood, Tissue and Cell Centre
4.12	C4.I.2	Milestone	Magnetic Resonance Linear Accelerator equipment operational and open to users
5.2	C5.R.1	Target	Teachers trained in the Reading Recovery (RR) Programme
5.5	C5.R.2	Milestone	Implementation of elements included in the Roadmap on developing a guidance system, capacity building for adult learning professionals and establishing guidance networks
6.19	C6.R.5	Target	Increase the number of staff at the Asset Recovery Bureau
6.25	C6.R.8	Milestone	Completed implementation of the action plan of the National anti-money laundering/combating terrorist financing/targeted financial sanctions (AML/CFT/TFS) strategy and action plan for 2021 – 2023
6.27	C6.R.8	Milestone	Lifting of the increased monitoring process by FATF
6.33	C6.R.10	Target	Tasking and training of staff by tax authorities to specialise on application of transfer pricing rules
6.34	C6.R.10	Target	Training events for tax practitioners and company representatives
6.39	C6.I.1	Target	Expenditure incurred for the digitalisation of the justice system
		Instalment Amount	EUR 57 165 752

1.4.Fourth Instalment (non-repayable support):

Sequential Number

Related Measure (Reform or Investment)

Milestone/Target

Name

1.20

C1.I.2

Milestone

Contract(s) signed for the renovation of block 1 of Mount Carmel Public Hospital

2.5

C2.R.3

Target

Bicycle racks and pumps installed in nine of the local councils covered by the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan for the Valletta Region

2.17

C2.I.2

Target

Number of grants awarded for electric vehicles under the scheme for the private sector

2.19

C2.I.3

Target

Replacement of vehicles within the Government fleet with electric (zero emissions) vehicles

3.11

C3.I.3

Milestone

Acquisition or renewal of Microsoft 365 (or equivalent) licences

3.12

C3.I.3

Milestone

Acquisition of laptops and telephony licences

3.13

C3.I.3

Milestone

Digital public services for citizens and businesses

4.3

C4.R.1

Milestone

Reports on addressing policy recommendations on wellbeing and integration of foreign workforce within the Ministry for Health

4.8

C4.R.2

Milestone

Entry into force of legal act(s) on the Blood Bank, Tissue and Cell Centre

4.14

C4.I.2

Milestone

Delivery of equipment for digital pathology services at the histopathology department at Mater Dei hospital

5.1

C5.R.1

Target

Number of students trained in the Reading Recovery (RR) Programme

5.4

C5.R.1

Milestone

Data Warehouse Solution

5.13

C5.R.5

Milestone

Monitoring report on unemployment benefits in Malta

6.5

C6.R.2

Milestone

Independent review on the transfer of offences and summary cases from the Police to the Attorney General’s Office

6.8

C6.R.2

Milestone

Transfer of cases to the Attorney General's Office

6.12

C6.R.3

Target

Training programmes on anti-corruption

6.13

C6.R.3

Milestone

Documentary Repository System

6.16

C6.R.4

Milestone

Recruitment of staff and increase of budget for the Permanent Commission Against Corruption

6.17

C6.R.4

Milestone

Digital registry of information on corruption cases shall be accessible by the Permanent Commission Against Corruption (PCAC)

6.18

C6.R.4

Milestone

Publication of an internal Standard Operating Procedure for the Permanent Commission Against Corruption (PCAC)

6.19a

C6.R.5

Target

Recruitment of 7 people within the Asset Recovery Bureau

6.23

C6.R.7

Milestone

Independent review of the provision for injured parties (in Act XLI of 2020) to appeal the decision of the Attorney General not to prosecute

6.36

C6.R.11

Milestone

Entry into force of legal act(s) related to inbound and outbound payments

7.1

C7.R.1

Milestone

New requirements for renewable energy generation in residential and non-residential buildings

7.3

C7.R.1

Milestone

Entry into force of legal act(s) setting shortened timelines for permit-granting procedures of renewable energy installations on greenhouses and renewable energy projects

7.4

C7.I.1

Milestone

Signature of contracts for investments in distribution centres and cables

Instalment Amount

EUR 60 406 019

1.5.Fifth Instalment (non-repayable support):

Sequential Number

Related Measure (Reform or Investment)

Milestone/Target

Name

1.16

C1.I.1

Target

Reduction of primary energy demand in public buildings

1.21

C1.I.2

Target

Reduction of primary energy demand in block 1 of Mount Carmel Public Hospital

1.27

C1.I.5

Target

Installed generation capacity of photovoltaics in public spaces

2.2

C2.R.1

Milestone

Raising awareness of sustainable or active mobility

2.11

C2.R.6

Milestone

Digital platform for mobility with public service vehicles

2.22

C2.R.7

Milestone

Public services shifted to off-peak hours and changes to public bus services

2.17a

C2.I.2

Target

Number of grants awarded for the purchase of electric vehicles in the private sector, together with mandatory scrappage of an existing vehicle

3.6

C3.I.1

Milestone

Level 4 in NIST cyber security framework

3.8

C3.I.2

Milestone

IT systems and tools accessible for use

3.11a

C3.I.3

Milestone

Acquisition or renewal of Microsoft 365 Copilot licences

3.13a

C3.I.3

Milestone

National Single Window for Customs and an Address-Based Geolocated Image Capture of Maltese Building Units

3.15

C3.I.4

Milestone

Grants for digitalisation of the private sector

3.16

C3.I.5

Milestone

Acquisition of mobile infrastructure and software for digitalisation of the urban ecology

3.17

C3.I.6

Milestone

Signature of the Contribution Agreement between the government of Malta and the European Commission

3.18

C3.I.6

Target

Financing or investment operations approved by the InvestEU Investment Committee

4.10

C4.I.1

Milestone

Constructed Blood, Tissue and Cell Centre

5.10

C5.R.3

Milestone

Acquisition of IEP Module, circulars, and the publication of the revised Policy on Inclusive Education in Schools

5.11

C5.R.4

Milestone

Monitoring and Evaluation Report submitted and approval of appointment of two people within the Policy Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate

5.14

C5.R.5

Milestone

Issuance of certificates, entry into force of the Work-Life Balance for Parents and Carers Regulations, and the publication of the National Employment Policy 2021-2030

5.15

C5.R.5

Milestone

Training for educational personnel, entry into force of a legal act, publication of a report, and publication of the Gender Equality and Mainstreaming Strategy and Action Plan 2022-2027

6.4

C6.R.1

Milestone

Publication in the Government Gazette of the legal act(s) on the independence of specialised tribunals

6.6

C6.R.2

Milestone

Publication in the Government Gazette of the legal act(s) on the transfer of at least 30 categories of offences in 2026, from the Police to the Attorney General’s Office

6.14

C6.R.3

Milestone

Database collating whistleblowing data

6.24

C6.R.7

Milestone

Entry into force of legal act(s) on the judicial review for injured parties to appeal the decision of the Attorney General not to prosecute

6.40

C6.I.1

Target

Expenditure incurred for the digitalisation of the justice system

7.6

C7.I.1

Milestone

Distribution centres and cables

7.7

C7.I.2

Target

Reduction of primary energy demand in private sector buildings

Instalment

Amount

EUR 72 487 223

SECTION 3: ADDITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

1.Arrangements for monitoring and implementation of the recovery and resilience plan

The monitoring and implementation of the Maltese RRP shall take place in accordance with the following arrangements:

The Ministry responsible for the management of EU funds is the authority in charge of the coordination, management and control of the overall implementation process of the RRP. It shall ensure the respect of the established national and EU rules, take measures to provide adequate administrative capacity and carry out the required consultation, communication and information activities related to Regulation (EU) 2021/241. Within the Ministry responsible for the management of EU funds, the Planning and Priorities Coordination Division (PPCD) is entrusted with the effective implementation of the RRP, in particular with the function identified in Article 22(2) and (3) and shall take all the appropriate measures to protect the financial interests of the Union and to ensure that the use of funds in relation to measures in the Maltese RRP complies with the applicable EU and national law. It shall also be responsible for drawing up and signing of management declaration accompanying the requests for payment. The responsible institutions involved in the execution of each reform and investment shall liaise on a regular basis with the Ministry responsible for the management of EU funds. The Internal Audit and Investigations Department has been designated as the audit authority for the purposes of the RRP, as an independent body. The audit authority shall be responsible for drawing up and signing the Summary of audits accompanying the request for payment. The audit authority’s strategy comprises both system audits, focusing on the system in place for the reporting of the milestones and targets, and on the system to prevent detect and correct serious irregularities, including the IT system, as well as substantive testing based on an adequate sampling.

2.Arrangements for providing full access by the Commission to the underlying data

The Ministry responsible for the management of EU Funds, as the central coordinating body for the implementation of the Maltese RRP is the contact point for the Commission. It acts as a coordinating body for monitoring the progress on milestones and targets and for providing all necessary arrangements for submitting payment requests. It coordinates the reporting of milestones and targets, relevant indicators, but also qualitative financial information and other data, such as on final recipients. The management and information system maintained by the PPCD shall be used to collect the necessary information to monitor the whole life cycle of the reforms and investments, including milestones, targets and information supporting the monitoring of their financial implementation.

In accordance with Article 24(2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241, upon completion of the relevant agreed milestones and targets in Section 2.1 of this Annex, Malta shall submit to the Commission a duly justified request for payment of the financial contribution. Malta shall ensure that, upon request, the Commission has full access to the underlying relevant data that supports the due justification of the request for payment, both for the assessment of the request for payment in accordance with Article 24(3) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241 and for audit and control purposes.