The European Commission’s legislative package for the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) proposed on 16 July 2025 introduces a new European Fund for Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion, Agriculture and Rural, Fisheries and Maritime, Prosperity and Security (“the Fund”), consolidating CAP, Cohesion, ESF+, EMFAF and other instruments into single National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRP Plans).

While simplification and flexibility are welcome, several elements of the draft Fund Regulation, CAP Regulation and ERDF/Cohesion Fund Regulation risk undermining the effectiveness of LEADER and Community-Led Local Development (CLLD). The following advocacy points identify necessary amendments. Read the details in the note on the right-hand side.

👉 Ensure broad elgibility of beneficiaries under LEADER-CLLD
👉 Broaden the scope of LEADER interventions under the CAP

👉 Secure ring-fenced resources for LEADER-CLLD

👉Apply simplified financing consistently

👉 Clarify the relationship between CLLD and LEADER

👉 Restore LAG competences

👉 Guarantee CLLD accross cohesion, social and maritime policies

We now have 18 months to advocate, we count on you!

👉 Sign the petition to make your voice heard and to join the 34 000 + that have signed it so far
👉 Share it far and wide—every signature brings us closer to change
👉 Encourage your networks, organisations, and MEPs, ministers to support this initiative and to alert them on the gaps in the new regulation. Feel free to use our advocacy note. We can provide you with a word version if needed.

Europe cannot afford to leave its rural communities behind. Let’s ensure that LEADER and CLLD remain pillars of EU rural development for generations to come.