Mission statement

Our mission is to contribute to the overall public service goal of providing a service of excellence. Being meticulous and timely in addressing the issues which the Directorate deals with.

Main Areas of Responsibility

Policy Development

This area contributes to the development of policies and strategies related to dossiers falling within the remit of the Office of the Prime Minister. Coordinates responses to EU and national-led exercises which have the aim of developing strategies or implementing such strategies or policies.

Programme Implementation

This section within the Directorate informs and guides prospective applicants on EU funding opportunities. It assists entities and monitors the implementation of EU funded projects and schemes from application stage till project closure stage. The Programme Implementation section oversees and coordinates the implementation of EU funded projects whilst ensuring that projects and initiatives are implemented in a timely and efficient manner. This section performs desk-based checks in order to ensure that project implementation is in line with the grant agreement and other obligations whilst processing payments of EU funded projects based on such checks. Hence, guaranteeing sound financial management practices. 

EU Affairs

The European Union Affairs section within the Directorate is responsible for coordinating Malta’s position with regards to legislative and non-legislative acts falling within the Office of the Prime Minister’s portfolio. Such positions are either provided as replies to requests received on a daily basis through the Permanent Representation and EU Coordination Department, or else as instructions for Working Parties, Commission expert Meetings, High-level meetings as well as Ministerial Councils and the European Council. 

It is also entrusted to ensure compliance with regard to a number of specific EU regulatory frameworks on a national level.

Core Functions

The Directorate performs the following functions:

Supports entities falling within the remit of the Office of the Prime Minister with the development of national polices and legislation; and liaises with other ministries with regard to issues pertaining to the Public Service in general, when required.
Ensures the national interest is well represented in all EU Fora it co-ordinates, and especially during the discussion of new proposals at European Union level.

Undertakes timely and efficient consultation on these proposals with the authorities and entities within the Office of the Prime Minister’s remit, as well as with other Ministries.

Strives to keep the other departments within the Office of the Prime Minister informed of developments in European policies. The Directorate carries out this function not only in those fields for which the it is the Implementing Ministry, but also in other areas which may have an impact on policies which fall within the Office of the Prime Minister’s portfolio.

Prepares explanatory memoranda setting Malta’s position in relation to specific proposals for consideration and approval by the Inter-Ministerial Committee, Cabinet and the Foreign & European Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives.

Coordinates and prepares documents for working parties, committees, including the meetings of the Permanent Representatives (COREPER) and Council of Minister Meetings.

Ensures fullest participation in EU related programmes, projects, legislative processes and initiatives.

Oversees the timely drawing up of answers to the questionnaires sent by the EU institutions as part of their functions when preparing any document to be discussed by the Member States.

Ensures that the pertinent EU Regulations and Directives are correctly transposed, implemented and enforced. 

Coordinates the logistical and policy preparations for bilateral meetings with Third Countries.

Coordinates and monitors EU-Funded Projects undertaken by entities falling within the Office of the Prime Minister’s remit.

Participates in conferences, seminars, workshops and expert groups, where necessary, both at local and EU level.

Contact Details
Policy Development and Programme Implementation Directorate
Office of the Prime Minister
No 18, Floor 3
South Street
Valletta
MALTA

Telephone
+356 22001132
dpi.opm@gov.mteuaffairs.opm@gov.mt

Director – Ms Claudine Sciberras
claudine.b.sciberras@gov.mt
Assistant Director (Programme Implementation) – Mr Clifton Pulis
clifton.pulis@gov.mt
Assistant Director (Policy Development and EU Affairs) – Ms Graziella Farrugia
graziella.b.farrugia@gov.mt