Brussels, 26/11/2001 (Agence Europe) - On Friday, the European Commission approved the rural development LEADER programmes for six Italian regions, which will be funded partially from Structural Funds. These six regions include:
- Venetia: for 2001-2006 - the programme will contribute up to EUR 40.5 million of which EUR 13.7 million will come from the Community budget to improve services for the rural population, promote the local region and culture and encourage co-operation between different rural regions. Nine local action groups will benefit from this programme that targets agricultural industry, SMEs and farming families.
- Piedmont: the total amount allocated to the programme is EUR 36.9 million over seven years, of which EUR 11.3 million will come from Structural funds. Its objective: to stimulate the socio-economic vitality of the regions through projects focusing on innovation and integration of a local system of production, increasing the region's ability to attract new companies and residents and assessment of local heritage. Ten local action groups have been elected to implement the programme.
- Lombardy: for 2001-2006 - the Commission has allocated EUR 7.2 million out of a total of EUR 24 million for the programme that shares the same goals as that in Piedmont. Six local action groups will help to implement the projects.
- Liguria: this programme shares the same goals as those in Lombardy and Piedmont and will have an overall budget of EUR 18.6 million over a seven-year period. The Community will be contributing to this programme, the funding for which is in excess of EUR 5.3 million and will go to four local action groups.
- Emilia-Romagna: this programme will receive funding of EUR 28.7 million, of which EUR 9.7 million will come from Structural Funds. Five local action groups have been selected to participate in this job-creation programme, especially designated for women and young people.
- Friuli-Venezia Juliana: this programme will receive EUR 5.6 million from Community funds out of an overall budget of EUR 16.1 million for the 2001-2006 period. The programme will be piloted by three local action groups and focus on innovation and the integration of a local system of production.
