MCESD steps up its game in facilitating discussion, next national priority after Budget is RRP

From the onset, MCESD seriously took up the urgent call for action by all countries, as part of 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, which revolves around 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), intended to end poverty by adopting strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality and spur economic growth while preserving the environment.

During her recent visit to Malta, European Commission President von der Leyen underlined the reason for her visit – the NextGenerationEU Recovery Plan for Europe. It is to spur our recovery from the pandemic, the economic impact of the pandemic, that Malta needs and that Europe needs. The plan is worth €800 billion, a real kick-start again for our economies after a very difficult time.

Malta has now been given the green light for its recovery and resilience plan (RRP) in a bid to accelerate the green and the digital transitions in Malta as decarbonisation and digitalisation are the main priorities to work on.

In short, the plan clearly meets the demanding criteria jointly established by EU Member States. The Commission’s approval is an important milestone for the disbursement of the €316 million over the next years.

The 17 SDGs are embedded in Malta’s ambitious plan and MCESD’s role of facilitating discussion among social partners is bearing fruit by maintaining the focus on these goals. Social partners comprise of trade unions and employer organisations who sit on MCESD’s Council, along with the GRC and the CSC committees.

MCESD will continue to facilitate discussion, including on the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) for Malta to ensure that reforms and investments undertaken will make our economy more sustainable and resilient and better adaptable for any eventual shockwaves like the world felt when the pandemic reared its head.