Interreg VI-A Italia-Malta 2021 – 2027

Introduction

The Interreg VI-A Italia-Malta 2021 – 2027 Programme seeks to boost Italy and Malta’s green and blue economies, which underperform relative to other EU countries. This cross-border programme outlines a set of objectives and project examples detailing action in support and aid of the respective sectors of environment, education, technology, business, culture, tourism etc. 

Priority 1: Smarter Europe

The first priority pertains to research, innovation and the development of smart specialisation skills. This is addressed by putting an emphasis on entrepreneurship, industrial transition, and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies in cross-border areas through initiatives like fostering collaborative research (partnerships between businesses and research institutions) and offering advisory and innovation support services. Additionally, the creation of skills for the new generations of entrepreneurs, managers, researchers, technicians and operators. 

Priority 2: Greener Europe

The second priority seeks to promote climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention, 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 economy. 

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 environment, 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 promotion of places of culture and economically sustainable tourism. To achieve this, tourism is being modernised to increase its attractiveness, improve digital accessibility, and support the green transition. Moreover, the cultural heritage and creative industry sectors are being developed, aiming to increase community participation. Diversification and community-based tourism are also being supported, focusing on ecotourism, cultural tourism, and well-being.

Priority 4: Cooperation between Italy and Malta

The fourth priority aims to strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of cooperation in the cross-border areaby enhancing public authorities' capacity to plan integrated cross-border strategies, recognize and address emergencies, as well as ensure synergy with mainstream initiatives. The target groups comprise public and private actors, policy makers, public administrations, education organisations, associations, corporations, and MPMIs, among other individuals and organisations impacted by actions. They encompass all demographic groups—local, regional, transnational, and international—that gain from increased institutional and actor efficiency.

Conclusion

All of these objectives primarily concern the following entities: Local, regional, national authorities and other public institutions and agencies, Universities and research centres; Higher technical Institutes; Educational institutions of all levels; Managing bodies of sites, reserves, parks, protected areas; Civil protection corps and emergency services, Civil society organisations; Associations active in the environmental sectors, the enhancement of natural and cultural heritage; Enterprises,  including MSMEs; Business support organisations; Bodies and/or associations promoting 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-financing rate through the Europe Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Below is a breakdown by priority: