National reform programme 2008-2010 Malta - European Commission

Introduction
The renewed Lisbon Strategy aims ‘to make Europe the most dynamic and competitive
knowledge–based economy in the world’. Malta’s first NRP 2005-2008 proposed 54 concrete
measures designed to improve Malta’s economic growth rate and employment opportunities
under 5 strategic thrusts, namely:
• Sustainability of public finances;
• Competitiveness;
• Employment;
• Education and training; and
• Environment.
During the first cycle of the NRP, Malta has managed to achieve a number of positive results
in a number of sectors. Such achievements include: improved fiscal position, Euro adoption,
reduction in unemployment, the introduction of incremental measures in pensions reform,
taxation measures, ICT, tourism and FDI.
In the second cycle of the NRP, the Maltese Government will focus on the priorities
highlighted by the European Commission in its country specific and general recommendations
as well as on addressing the national issues which contribute towards Malta’s
competitiveness.
The main thrusts which will be addressed within the next three year cycle include:
• Unlocking business potential;
• Investing in knowledge and innovation;
• Energy and climate change; and
• Investing in people and modernising labour markets.
Addressing these thrusts will contribute towards improving Malta’s competitiveness.
Competitiveness is a key driver for a better quality of life as it fosters increased employment,
better levels of earnings. Malta’s NRP is not a document which belongs solely to Government
– it is a document which is important to many stakeholders and even to each and every
citizen. In fact, the Maltese Government has carried out a public consultation exercise with a
view to seek the views and opinions of the widest audience possible with a view to
encompassing all positive ideas whilst steering Malta towards more competitive levels. This
methodology is in line with Government’s commitment towards intensive public dialogue on all
its programmes and initiatives.
The NRP will guide Malta’s strategic development for growth and jobs for the period 2008-
2010. All the measures put forward within the NRP will be undertaken whilst ensuring that the
sustainability of public finances. It is intended to build on what Malta has already achieved
and to move further and farther.
This document is made up of three main sections, namely:
• Part A - Malta’s National Reform Programme 2005-2008 Closure Report;
• Part B - Addressing Malta’s Specific Recommendations; and
• Part C - Malta’s National Reform Programme 2008-2010.
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