Leader started in 1991. Since then, its various incarnations (Leader I, Leader II then Leader+) have enabled rural communities to pursue their own development strategies – looking to the future without losing touch with their natural and cultural heritage.
The local approach to rural development works through local action groups representing different interests within rural communities. They formulate ideas, make decisions and put them into practice.
Leader has also encouraged people with an interest in rural development to form regional, national and international networks, so they can benefit from each other's experience.
The initiative is entering a new phase and will from now on come under the new European rural development fund EAFRD. Of the €88bn earmarked for rural development up to 2013, some 6% will go on Leader projects from 2007 to 2013.
To highlight the change, the commission is holding a conference on 22 and 23 November in Evora (Portugal) marking the end of Leader+. The idea is to promote a truly local approach as the driving force for rural development.
- Making regional spending count
- Regions urged to spend wisely
- Developing together in a changing world
Author: European Commission
