1. Project Manager – MCESD Project Partner - MEUSAC “ Closer to Europe ” Operational Programme 2 Cohesion Policy 2007-2008 Empowering People for More Jobs and a Better Quality of Life Project Part Financed by the European Union European Social Fund Co-Financing rates: 85% EU Funds, 15% National Funds

2. 2 1. General Information  The Project is aimed at strengthening of institutional and administrative capacity in Malta and Gozo.  MEUSAC will be partnering the MCESD in the implementation of the Project.  The Project carries an estimated budget of Euro 463 thousand; it will be spread over N+3 years.  The Operational Objective of the Project is to contribute towards the development of effective partnerships in a wide range of policy areas.  The MCESD will employ two project coordinators to conduct the activities as planned by the Project.  The Project will be co-financed: 85% EU funds and 15% Malta funds.

3. 3 2. Project details The objectives of the Project are to:  support Social Partners and Civil Society Organizations to increase their knowledge on EU and local policy developments and reach informed opinions on policy issues,  encourage a more active role and wider participation in debate thus enhancing the process of social and civil dialogue in Malta and Gozo,  represent a tripartite partnership and enhance decision making processes and help consolidate economic growth and social cohesion, and  develop an active platform where socio-economic policies are formulated and disseminated.

4. 4 Specific purposes of the Project  to promote more effective social and civil dialogue through active participation of social and civil partners,  to provide the up to date information on social, economic and EU–related matters,  to promote life-long learning,  to support the networking among social partners and civil society,  to create an interactive portal,  to initiate research and analysis on specific policy issues, and  to conduct an awareness campaign.

5. 5 Practical roles of the MCESD: a) social dialogue as a key to better governance The MCESD will assist the social partners and civil society in:  sharing the experience on follow-up practices,  setting up a social dialogue web-site,  financially supporting the joint follow-up actions of a long-term nature, and  raising the awareness on the importance of European social dialogue for the national industrial relations by organising seminars, conferences, training and supporting net- working.

6. 6 b) raising the profile of the social dialogue  to provide access to all information on the players, forums and output of the social dialogue (via web-site),  to convene a “Social Dialogue Conference” at regular intervals,  to publish regular reports on industrial relations in Malta and Gozo.

7. 7 c) strengthening the role of the social partners The MCESD will facilitate:  the organisation of joint training programmes for the representatives of the authorities within the MCESD, and  the exchange of best practices or experiences and partnerships.

8. 8 d) miscellaneous  promote the role of the social dialogue as a tool for economic and social modernisation,  increase the involvement of social partners vis-à- vis Lisbon strategy – employment and social inclusion, and  extend the social dialogue in related areas e.g.: organisation of work, active aging, promoting equal opportunities, vocational training etc.

9. 9 3. National priorities  provide quality education which will help attract and retain more people in employment,  raise the awareness and consultation, so as to improve country’s competitive edge, by enhancing social dialogue among social partners and civil society organisations, which will in turn,  strengthen the country’s institutional and administrative capacity, through innovative and adaptable forms of work organisation with a view of improving quality and productivity at work, including health and safety. In this project, Gozo is considered as a cross cutting priority and all activities being proposed will involve directly the Gozitans.

10. 10 4. Horizontal priorities  the project will promote equality and equal opportunities,  sustainable development as a contribution to the National Sustainable Development Strategy, and  environmental sustainability.

11. 11 5. Contracting and implementation The following tenders / services will be procured over the duration of the Project:  Research Study entitled “Social and Civil Dialogue in Malta and Gozo”,  Tender for the “Development and Delivery of a Training Programme”, and  Tender for the “Development and Delivery of a Communication and Awareness Campaign”.

12. 12 Research Study on “Social and Civil Dialogue in Malta and Gozo”  The study aims to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT analysis) which should be complemented by recommendations on how social and civil dialogue in Malta and Gozo should move forward  The research will address the issues such as: participative research and innovation in products and services, workers’ rights, developments related to the single market and access to third countries’ markets for business/workers, consumer protection, flexicurity, energy efficiency, climate/energy issues, educational reform and work/life balance developments.

13. 13 Development and Delivery of a “Training Programme” The target group will obtain the know-how on:  the policy structures,  legislative frameworks, and  EU-wide developments, so as to enable their contribution to the successful design and implementation of policies and legislation.

14. 14 “Communication and Awareness Campaign”  quarterly review on the European policy issues (6 issues or more),  monthly informative publication on EU and local news and policy related issues (20 issues or more),  the web-portal,  training of 48 individuals (duration of 150 hours),  10 seminars / conferences for consultation and debate on key issues,  awareness campaign: TV, radio, posters and signage for at least 20 events,  final publication of the Project results, and  merchandising and promotional material, including the opening and closing conferences.

15. 15 6. Estimated budget breakdown Major items of expenditureEstimated cost in Euro (rounded figures) Project management100,000 Training18,000 Research and development35,000 Communication and awareness campaign 274,000 Other36,000 Total463,000

16. 16 Thank You