The Maltese-Italian Chamber of Commerce is leading ESG Essentials, a new European project funded by the Erasmus+ programme, aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their transition towards sustainable, ethical and responsible business models.
ESG Essentials responds to the growing need for SMEs to better understand and apply Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, which are increasingly central to European policies, market expectations and access to finance. The project seeks to bridge the gap between evolving EU sustainability requirements and the practical capacity of businesses to integrate ESG standards into their daily operations.
As project leader, the Maltese-Italian Chamber of Commerce plays a key role in coordinating activities and ensuring that the project delivers practical training programmes, implementation tools and digital resources tailored to real business needs. The local implementation of project activities is coordinated by Maria Di Feo, Project Manager for the Chamber.
“We are a non-profit organisation working very closely with businesses,” explains Maria Di Feo. “Our goal is to accompany SMEs throughout this journey, helping them build awareness and translate ESG principles into concrete and achievable actions.”
The project adopts a hands-on and practice-oriented approach, supporting SMEs not only in understanding ESG concepts, but also in applying them in areas such as governance, environmental responsibility and social impact. By doing so, ESG Essentials aims to strengthen business competitiveness, improve readiness for regulatory changes and enhance long-term sustainability.
ESG Essentials also places strong emphasis on European cooperation, bringing together partners from different countries and backgrounds to share expertise, methodologies and best practices. In particular, the project reinforces collaboration within the Mediterranean region, where Italy and Malta act as a strategic bridge between enterprises, training systems and European sustainability priorities.
As sustainability becomes an essential condition for doing business rather than a voluntary choice, ESG Essentials represents a concrete opportunity for SMEs to develop the skills and tools needed to remain competitive and resilient in a rapidly changing economic landscape.
“Sustainability and responsibility are no longer optional,” concludes Maria Di Feo. “They are fundamental elements for the present and future of European enterprises.”
To learn more about the project and the role of its partners, watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/K8tHB8ex0J8?si=IDsvFtq8MnrNf9r8
