A project submitted by the company operating the Freeport in Birzebbuga has been selected by the European Commission as one of the transport projects to be funded this year through EU transport funds.

According to the European Commission, which yesterday announced the selected projects, €3.07 million will be granted to Malta Freeport Terminals to be used to expand its current facilities.

The Maltese project, still to be endorsed by the European Parliament and the Council, was selected following a call for proposals issued earlier this year under the EU's Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) 2007 programme.

Malta was facing tough competition as the funds available under this programme were limited to €112 million while the more than 200 projects submitted requested the allocation of €945 million. However, the Maltese project was deemed as important from the European perspective and was given the Commission's approval.

The Commission said cross-border projects and environmentally friendly modes were given priority.

"The proposed decisions are a response to the key challenge of transport policies. They will generate high added value for the EU and enhance the sustainability of transport in Europe," said Jacques Barrot, European Transport Commissioner. Apart from the Malta Freeport project, the Commission chose to fund various other transport projects which will enhance Europe's transport network.

These include a high-speed line between Lisbon and Madrid, studies for the Trieste-Divaca link between Slovenia and Italy and a waterway link and development of the Danube river.

The Commission said that it expects to be in a position to allocate this funding by the beginning of next year.