Brussels, 30/07/2001 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission approved the programme concerning the LEADER+ Community initiative in Portugal, including in the autonomous regions of Madera and the Azores. The total cost of the programme (from which all the regions may benefit, except the urban centres) will be, for the 2001-2006 period, EUR 269.9 million of which 60.5% financed by the EU Structural funds and 39.5% from national resources, indicates a communiqué from the Commission. The Commissioner responsible for Agriculture, Franz Fischler noted that the programme will allow, in particular, to "promote new ideas on the way in which to improve the quality of life in the rural areas of Portugal". The programme, which notably aims to develop local competences, bring added value to the rural areas and favour innovation and pilot projects, will provide an assistance to 52 groups of local actions, which will define their own strategies and targets.