Welcome to our EU Projects page! Here, you can explore the European Union-funded projects we have successfully contributed to, as well as the exciting initiatives we are currently working on. Our involvement in these projects reflects our commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth for small green business owners. We are proud to partner with organizations, governments, and communities to make a positive impact at both local and European levels. Take a look at our past and ongoing projects to learn more about how we are driving change and creating value in Europe.
Sustainably Yours, Cross-Re-Tour
Project Name: Sustainably Yours
Local Lead: Malta Tourism Authority
Project Description:
Cross-Re-Tour, led by a consortium of six companies including the Malta Tourism Authority as the local agent, empowers over 80 small eco-tourism businesses across eight EU countries. This 12-month project tackles limited market reach and digital expertise by hosting events that connect SMEs with eco-conscious tourists and experts. Offering mentoring, digital tools, and financial support, it enhances visibility, operational efficiency, and green practices. Scalable and replicable, it strengthens EU eco-tourism leadership.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Part 1 (June – September 2025)
The Sustainably Yours Eco Market is a vibrant celebration of sustainable tourism in Malta, bringing together eco-conscious travelers and local artisans dedicated to environmentally friendly practices. Our bustling markets feature a diverse array of stalls showcasing handmade, eco-friendly products, including unique souvenirs, heartfelt mementos, artisanal foods, crafts, jewelry, ceramics, mosaics, sustainable clothing, bags, accessories, home decor, children’s items, drinks, and gifts perfect for every occasion.
Our mission is to shine a spotlight on Malta’s small business owners who go the extra mile to prioritize sustainability. By fostering meaningful connections between tourists and artisans, the Eco Market offers more than just shopping—it’s an opportunity to engage with passionate creators, hear their inspiring stories, share a laugh, and learn about their innovative eco-friendly practices. Whether it’s discovering how a candle is made with sustainable materials or chatting about the craftsmanship behind a recycled fabric bag, every interaction is a chance to find a true gem and support local talent.
Held in Malta’s top tourist destinations during July and August 2025, the Sustainably Yours Eco Market invites visitors to experience the heart of sustainable tourism. Shop consciously, connect authentically, and take home treasures that tell a story of environmental care and community impact.
Part 2 (March 2026)
Stakeholder Meeting, an expert-led event designed for Tourism SMEs in Malta. It focuses on adopting green and innovative solutions—such as those in energy, water, plastic reduction, food, mobility, and nudging practices—to help tourism businesses transition effectively while boosting competitiveness. Led by mentors, coaches, tourism specialists, and sustainability consultants, this workshop series addresses key challenges such as the lack of digital tools for customer engagement, operational efficiency, and business scaling, while integrating sustainability with modern technologies.
This Stakeholders Meeting is being organised in collaboration with SEAM – Social Entrepreneurs Assocation Malta, and offers a dedicated 2-hour active networking session designed to spark new opportunities, forge meaningful partnerships, exchange innovative ideas, and build lasting connections among participants.
Sustainably Yours is a project under the Cross-Re-Tour initiative, led by VisitMalta. Cross-Re-Tour is an EU-funded project (Grant Agreement No 101121518)
SKI.F.T.
Project Name: SKI.F.T. – Skills for Transition
Lead Coordinator: Kooperationen
SKI.F.T. – Skills for Transition – empowers micro and small social economy enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 50 employees to drive the green transition. Through mentoring, business development, and financial support, SKI.F.T. fosters sustainable business models rooted in circular economy principles. The project enhances collaboration with local and green value chain partners, strengthens communication of results, and promotes transnational exchange and joint capacity-building. By fostering democratic, purpose-driven cooperatives, SKI.F.T. cultivates local green markets, enabling SMEs to lead in sustainability and innovation.
Eco Link
Project Number: 2024-1-MT01-KA122-ADU-
Lead Organisation: Eco Market Malta
Partner: Scie Eventi, Italy
This project brings together 15 business owners from Malta, representing a diverse range of sectors, including both product-based and service-based industries. Over the course of a 5-day program in Italy, participants will engage in entrepreneurial training focused on green skills, while also taking part in a cultural exchange with Italian business owners. The program includes a networking reception, offering participants a chance to connect and share experiences. During the weekend, a market will be held in a high-traffic tourist area of Catania, complemented by focused workshops and team-building activities. These sessions will encourage participants to reflect on how they can enhance the sustainability of their businesses and improve their communication strategies to better engage clients with their green initiatives.
I had the amazing opportunity to join the 2025 Eco Link Erasmus trip to Catania and it was truly inspirational. Through workshops and presentations, I learned a lot about entrepreneurship and even more about myself. As someone new to the world of business, this experience helped me reconnect with why I love what I do. Sharing my passion and hearing others’ stories made me feel more confident and motivated to keep going. I met inspiring Italian entrepreneurs and built meaningful connections that I’ll carry with me. The trip reminded me that entrepreneurship is not just about business—it’s about passion, creativity, and community. Being surrounded by like-minded people gave me a fresh perspective and so many new ideas. I feel more committed to growing my small crochet business. I would like to thank Eco Market for this unforgettable experience! I’m excited for what comes next.
Participating in the Eco Link project in Sicily was an incredibly enriching and inspiring experience for us. The opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and organisations who are equally passionate about sustainability was truly invaluable. From the warm hospitality of our hosts to the thoughtful organisation of workshops and site visits, every moment was a reminder of the power of collaboration and shared purpose. We gained new insights into sustainable practices across different regions, and we returned home not only with fresh ideas, but also with renewed energy to keep pushing for meaningful change within our own communities. The Eco Link project highlighted how important it is to build bridges between cultures, sectors, and individuals when working toward a greener future. We are grateful to have been part of this journey and look forward to continuing the relationships and actions it has sparked. Thank you to everyone involved in making this initiative so impactful and memorable.
Eco Festival
Project Number: 2022-2-MT01-KA210-ADU-000099056
Lead Organisation: Eco Market Malta
Partner: Scie Eventi, Italy
This project involved the mobility of 20 Italian vendors to Malta and 20 Maltese vendors to Italy, showcasing their unique green products at a collaborative event. Participants included soap makers, jewelers, thrift store owners, 3D printing specialists, upcycling experts, and more, each highlighting their sustainable creations. Another key aspect of the event was the opportunity for Maltese and Italian vendors to mix and collaborate, spending time together to learn about each other’s practices, discover what they do differently, and explore the common values they share in sustainability. Throughout the weekend-long event, a series of workshops and talks were organized for the general public, focusing on important sustainability topics. The event also welcomed press and local stakeholders, including council members, to engage in discussions and promote the importance of green practices and innovation within the community.
“My experience at the 2023 Eco Festival in Sicily was truly memorable. The logistics—transporting our products and the overall organization—were seamless, but what really stood out was the sense of community that was formed. It brought us artisans from Malta much closer together, with everyone stepping in to help wherever possible. I had the chance to connect with so many people on a deeper level, and we even met some amazing Italian artisans. I’m still in touch with a wonderful Italian soap-making colleague to this day. Overall, it was an incredible experience and a priceless opportunity for both personal and professional growth.”
“Thanks to Eco Market Malta 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to showcase my products as an artisan vendor in Sicily. It was a truly eye-opening experience. Not only did I gain valuable insights into how my products resonate with a different culture, but I also learned how various factors like priorities and income levels can affect consumer response. The experience turned out to be different from what I had anticipated, but in the best way—it was full of surprising lessons that allowed me to grow both intellectually and as a business owner. It was like conducting an A/B test, with the country as the variable, giving me a deeper understanding of my work in a broader context. Opportunities like this—though rare—are pivotal in shaping our development and shifting our mindset as entrepreneurs. If you get the chance, I highly recommend taking it!”