MDB Shares Malta’s Perspective at ELTI European Leaders Programme 2026

How can Europe turn its ambitions for competitiveness, innovation and economic growth into investments that deliver results?

This was a central question at the ELTI European Leaders Programme 2026, where the Malta Development Bank (MDB) joined European financial institutions to discuss the future of strategic investment.

The European Long-Term Investors Association (ELTI) brings together national promotional banks and other financial institutions working to promote long-term investment and sustainable economic growth across Europe.

Hosted by the Polish Development Bank (BGK), the programme took place in Warsaw on 21–22 October 2026, bringing together representatives of National Promotional Banks and Institutions (NPBIs) and International Financial Institutions (IFIs).

MDB was represented by Reuben Ellul Dimech, Senior Research Officer, and David Law, Senior Officer (Risk Management).

Under the theme “Financing Europe’s Future Sectors: Strengthening Competitiveness through Strategic Investments”, discussions focused on attracting private capital, addressing financing gaps and supporting Europe’s strategic priorities.

Malta’s Experience in Addressing Financing Gaps

For smaller economies such as Malta, access to finance presents particular challenges. Businesses with promising ideas and viable investment plans can face difficulties securing funding, especially when pursuing innovation or entering new markets.

MDB brought to the discussions its experience of operating within a relatively small and concentrated financial market, where targeted financial instruments can help businesses overcome these barriers.

Through schemes such as the SME Guarantee Scheme and Guaranteed Co-Lending Scheme, MDB works alongside commercial banks to share lending risks and improve access to finance for Maltese businesses.

This experience contributed a practical perspective to discussions on how public financial institutions can encourage private investment and respond to the financing needs of different economies.

Connecting European Priorities with Local Opportunities

A key topic was the European Union’s Savings and Investments Union (SIU), an initiative aimed at making it easier for savings and investment capital to reach businesses across Europe.

For Maltese SMEs and innovative enterprises, stronger European financial integration could open up new opportunities for funding and growth.

Discussions also addressed investment in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, and the financing needed to strengthen Europe’s technological capabilities.

Another area of focus was collaboration with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and European Investment Fund (EIF).

MDB already works with European partners to expand financing opportunities in Malta, including through EIF-backed instruments supporting sustainable investment and the cultural and creative sectors. These initiatives demonstrate how European resources can be adapted to meet local investment needs.

Building on European Partnerships

A key takeaway from the programme was the need to develop financing solutions that reflect the different circumstances of European economies, supported by stronger institutional relationships and the exchange of expertise.

For MDB, the Warsaw discussions offered an opportunity to build relationships with European counterparts, learn from different financing models and consider how emerging European initiatives could support its future activities.

The Bank’s participation reflects its ongoing commitment to bridging Malta’s investment gaps, supporting Maltese enterprises and contributing to the country’s sustainable economic development.