Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1510993
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 5 NOVEMBER 2023 8 COMMERCIAL Interreg VI-A Italia-Malta 2021 – 2027 Looking into the Interreg VI-A Italia-Malta 2021- 2027 Programme Introduction The Interreg VI-A Italia-Malta 2021 – 2027 Programme seeks to boost Italy and Malta's green and blue economies, which un- derperform relative to other EU countries. This cross-border programme outlines a set of ob- jectives and project examples detailing action in support and aid of the respective sectors of environment, education, tech- nology, business, culture, tour- ism etc. Priority 1: Smarter Europe The first priority pertains to research, innovation and the development of smart special- isation skills. This is addressed by putting an emphasis on entrepreneurship, industrial transition, and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies in cross-border areas through ini- tiatives like fostering collabora- tive research (partnerships be- tween businesses and research institutions) and offering ad- visory and innovation support services. Additionally, the cre- ation of skills for the new gen- erations of entrepreneurs, man- agers, researchers, technicians and operators. Priority 2: Greener Europe The second priority seeks to promote climate change adap- tation and disaster risk preven- tion, as well as put in motion a transition to a circular economy in the cross-border area. This can be achieved through the implementation of multi-risk prevention processes as well as monitoring and alert systems, along with interventions for the diffusion of the circular econo- my. Furthermore, Priority 2 is also concerned with enhancing the protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity, and green infrastructure, while reducing pollution in the cross-border area. Moreover, interventions for the monitoring and control of the marine and coastal envi- ronment, as well as biodiversity and marine and terrestrial areas of naturalistic value. Priority 3: More Social Europe The third priority deals with the revitalisation and promo- tion of places of culture and economically sustainable tour- ism. To achieve this, tourism is being modernised to increase its attractiveness, improve dig- ital accessibility, and support the green transition. Moreover, the cultural heritage and crea- tive industry sectors are being developed, aiming to increase community participation. Di- versification and communi- ty-based tourism are also being supported, focusing on ecot- ourism, cultural tourism, and well-being. Priority 4: Cooperation be- tween Italy and Malta The fourth priority aims to strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of cooperation in the cross-border areaby en- hancing public authorities' capacity to plan integrated cross-border strategies, recog- nize and address emergencies, as well as ensure synergy with mainstream initiatives. The target groups comprise public and private actors, pol- icy makers, public administra- tions, education organisations, associations, corporations, and MPMIs, among other individ- uals and organisations impact- ed by actions. They encompass all demographic groups—local, regional, transnational, and in- ternational—that gain from in- creased institutional and actor efficiency. Conclusion All of these objectives primar- ily concern the following en- tities: Local, regional, national authorities and other public institutions and agencies, Uni- versities and research centres; Higher technical Institutes; Educational institutions of all levels; Managing bodies of sites, reserves, parks, protected are- as; Civil protection corps and emergency services, Civil soci- ety organisations; Associations active in the environmental sectors, the enhancement of natural and cultural heritage; Enterprises, including MSMEs; Business support organisations; Bodies and/or associations pro- moting the active participation of disadvantaged subjects. The Interreg Italia-Malta Programme has a final budget of €57,604,031, of which €46,083,225 is contributed by the EU at an 80% co-financ- ing rate through the Europe Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Below is a breakdown by priority: