MINISTERU GHALL-FINANZI

Their core work

Malta's Ministry for Finance serves as a national government representative in EU-level coordination and policy actions. Rather than conducting research, the Ministry participates in ERA-NET Cofunds and Coordination & Support Actions where national authorities co-fund or co-govern transnational research programmes. Their role spans managing Malta's national contributions to joint European funding calls in areas like quantum technologies and blue bioeconomy, while also engaging in EU policy coordination on topics such as gender equality in the European Research Area.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early period (2015-2018), the Ministry focused on horizontal EU policy topics — gender mainstreaming, ERA roadmap implementation, NCP mutual learning, and secure cloud infrastructure for public administration (SUNFISH). From 2018 onward, participation shifted decisively toward thematic ERA-NET Cofunds in quantum technologies and blue bioeconomy, indicating Malta's growing ambition to participate in strategic European research funding programmes. This evolution mirrors a broader trend among small EU member states moving from passive policy alignment to active co-funding of frontier research areas.

Malta's Ministry for Finance is positioning itself as a national co-funder in strategic research domains (quantum, marine), making it a relevant contact for projects seeking Maltese national funding alignment.

How they like to work

The Ministry never coordinates projects — it participates as a national authority representative or third party, which is typical for government ministries in ERA-NETs and CSAs. Its 112 unique partners across 38 countries reflect the very large consortia inherent to ERA-NET Cofunds (often 30+ national funding agencies per project), not active bilateral relationships. Working with them means engaging Malta's national funding and policy machinery, not a hands-on research partner.

Connected to 112 partners across 38 countries, almost entirely through large ERA-NET and CSA consortia that include most EU/associated country funding agencies. The breadth reflects the structure of multi-country coordination actions rather than curated bilateral partnerships.

What sets them apart

As Malta's Ministry for Finance, this entity controls national co-funding decisions for transnational research programmes. For consortium builders, their participation in an ERA-NET signals that Maltese national funding will be available for that thematic area. This makes them essential for any project requiring Maltese government buy-in or national-level co-financing commitments.

Highlights from their portfolio

• QuantERA II
  Largest EC contribution (EUR 83,055) and signals Malta's commitment to European quantum technology funding through 2026.
• BlueBio
  Represents Malta's engagement in blue bioeconomy — strategically relevant given the island nation's marine geography and aquatic resource potential.