The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) hosted the plenary meeting for the National Focal Points (NFP) on the European Environmental Information and Observation Network (Eionet), bringing together officials from the European Environment Agency (EEA), representatives across the EEA members and cooperating countries as well as the European Topic Centres.

The joint task to give EU policy makers and the public, the best available knowledge to reach the targets on environment and sustainability. Eionet also serves as a collaborative network, connecting the EEA, its member countries, and various stakeholders to provide high-quality data.

During the two-day plenary meeting, which was held between the 10th and 11th October, attendees discussed and reflected on potential ways to enhance country level engagement between national stakeholders, to increase the uptake of environmental information and data across Europe. Malta actively participated during the meeting, delivering a presentation on best practices in Malta. Ms Elaine Cutajar, the National Focal Point for Malta on Eionet highlighted that “Such meetings are valuable to members of the network as they allow for effective discussions between countries, and create a space which welcomes ideas and solutions on the use and dissemination of environmental information. They also serve as a platform for countries to showcase their work strengthening the transfer of knowledge.”

Malta also hosted the EEA officials for a country visit with the national experts forming part of the Eionet network on the 12th October.

The EEA promoted the added value of engagement and cooperation with the various experts nominated on the network. It also acknowledged that Malta has increased its efforts in strengthening its participation and contribution to the network as well as align its practices with the EEA-Eionet Strategy 2021-2030. The EEA expressed its appreciation to Malta for its sterling work on the Eionet network throughout the past year which involved providing support to the EEA for preparing and coordinating the NFP Plenary Meetings and NFP’s feedback to the EEA as well as chairing the pre-meetings for NFPs.

For more information, visit www.era.org.mt

13  October 2023