Brussels, 23/10/2001 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday, the European Commission approved the Leader+ 2000-2006 programme in favour of rural development in the Spanish region of Asturias. The programme has a budget of EUR 25 million, 17 million of which is from the EU. The programme, whose general aim is to improve the quality of life in rural areas, will support the use of new technologies for the production and sale of local products or the expansion of the services sector, the development of cooperative activities among small producers, initiatives to support the creation of jobs, training and associations for women, young people and neo-rural communities. It will also find new sources of income by developing local products and tourism and leisure activities based on the cultural and natural heritage.