Malta is giving priority to heritage projects when it comes to spending EU funds, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said this morning.
He spent more than two hours this morning visiting the premises of Heritage Malta in Kalkara where he was given a tour of the building and introduced to people carrying out restoration and conservation works.
Dr Gonzi said some €20 million have already been spent from EU funds on various projects around Malta and Gozo, while some €60 million worth of projects are in the pipeline.
He told the press that it was crucial to protect the richness of Maltese heritage which gives people their identity. He said much of the heritage was hidden for too long, but these treasures are now there for all to appreciate.
Dr Gonzi added that this was part of the country's Vision 2015 economic strategy since it helped to boost tourism.