91997E1604

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1604/97 by Roberto Mezzaroma (UPE) to the Council (5 May 1997)

Subject: S. Raffaele Hospital in Malta and EU-Malta bilateral relations

At the request of the Maltese Government, the Monte Tabor Italian-Maltese Foundation has been set up as the body responsible for the planning and construction of the S. Raffaele Hospital in Malta, which is modelled on the S. Raffaele scientific institute in Milan.

The project is part of the Maltese Government's health programme and forms part of a wider scientific and medical project designed to provide the Mediterranean region with hospital facilities to treat various serious illnesses, including diabetes mellitus. A protocol for the completion of the project, has been drawn up between the Maltese authorities and the S. Raffaele authorities.

Does the Council consider that the sudden breaking off of relations ordered by the Maltese Government in connection with this project, which had been granted a loan of 12 million Maltese lire by the social development fund and the Italian-Maltese protocol of cooperation, could in any way adversely affect relations between Malta and an EU Member State, Italy, and, by the same token between Malta and the EU?

Answer (17 October 1997)

The project which the Honourable Member refers to in his question falls within the area of the bilateral relations between Italy and Malta.

As far as the future relations of Malta with the EU are concerned, the Council, bearing in mind the interest of both parties to maintain close relations, has invited the Commission to make proposals. After the completion of the exploratory talks with Malta, the Commission intends to present its proposals to the Council during the second half of 1997

Malta has been a beneficiary of EC grants and EIB loans, namely in the form of three financial protocols totalling approximately 93.5 MECU. The Fourth Financial protocol of 45 MECU entered into force on 1 January 1996. The main objective of this protocol was to help Malta with its preparation for its future accession to the European Union. However, due to Malta's decision to freeze its candidature, the indicative programme drafted by the Commission to implement this Protocol will undoubtedly have to be revised in order to meet the mutual obejectives of the future relationship.