Malta to receive more EU funds from LEADER programme

€7 million in funding for rural areas

Craftsmen and women and traditional artists are set to gain from an increase in the LEADER programme, funds allocated by the European Union to improve rural areas and help to generate more money in the rural economy.

The increase in funds was announced this morning by the Parliamentary Secretary for EU funds, Ian Borg. He explained that whereas Malta received a sum of €4 million in the seven-year period between 2007 and 2013, the EU will now be allocating a total of €7 million for the upcoming seven-year timeframe.

Of that amount, €500,000 will be put aside specifically for the arts and crafts sector.

Borg made his announcement during a visit to Gilder Vassallo in Rabat, owned and manned by Arthur Vassallo, who will be benefitting from €5000 of these funds to carry out his gilding restoration trade. Vassallo has been specializing in the building and restoration of traditional clocks for the past ten years.

Persons interested in applying for the grant are asked to do so prior to 21 September and their projects must be completed within a six-month period.