CLLD country profile: Malta

1. Key messages about local development and CLLD in this country

The LEADER approach ensures an effective and efficient approach by being designed and eventually implemented by local actors. Malta is divided into three regions with each region currently having a very active LAG composed of representatives of public and private local socioeconomic interests. Non-public entity stakeholders form the majority, in terms of representation at the decision-making level, of foundations acting as LAGs.

Malta is an island State, which can thus prove difficult for its territories to undertake certain innovative activities due to limitations such as resources. Thus, the LAGs are encouraged to participate in cooperation projects which may be inter-territorial or trans-national and that can help LAGs and their communities boost their knowledge, experience and add more value within the territory’s own resources.

2. CLLD used in the following Funds

FUND		CLLD budget from the Fund (€)
EAFRD		4,500,000
EMFF		-
ESF		-
ERDF		-

Most recent available programme allocation

3. Possibility of multi-funding (linking several Funds in one strategy)

There are no multi-Fund LAGs. Rural LAGs (EAFRD) are mono-funded.

4. Number of LAGs

5. Purposes, objectives for which CLLD is used

The LEADER approach in Malta plays a fundamental role in bringing together and connecting all the relevant local actors. This helps in building local partnerships that can develop and implement local development strategies better suited to address local needs and strengths. The LEADER approach aims to stimulate the local potential to realise the management of various rural issues such as improving natural and cultural heritage, supporting local tourism and implementing infrastructure related to tourist activities. LEADER is implemented under the EAFRD OP’s Priority 6.

6. State of play

LAGs started to fully implement LEADER/CLLD through the RDP in 2018, as the assessment of strategies (approval of LAG support) was completed at the end of 2017. LAGs were very active in local development and by May 2021, they had published 14 public calls and selected 189 projects with 99% of the budget being fully committed. By January 2022, 33% of the awarded projects have been completed and fully reimbursed.

7. Key achievements so far

LEADER has contributed toward the improvement of rural socio-economic activities where through the current and previous programmes rural localities have foreseen the implementation of various projects. Projects varied from green infrastructures, restoration of historical structures, promotion of cultural events, rejuvenation of old practices and improvement towards tourism.

8. Key barriers encountered

• Increasing administrative effort
• Increasing population density

9. Some national specificities

There are only 3 LAG Territories: Xlokk, Majjistral and Gozo, covering 44 rural localities.