The 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) negotiations are a pivotal moment for LEADER-CLLD and the future of LAGs across Europe. As the European Commission, Council, and Parliament shape the next programming period, ELARD has analysed the proposals on the Continue reading →
Empowering rural Europe: our commitment on World Rural Development day
Today, on World Rural Development Day, we reaffirm our dedication to rural communities and the transformative power of LEADER-CLLD. Rural areas are the backbone of Europe, and their development must Continue reading →
A Critical Moment: From EU-Level Advocacy to National Action
As you know, our collective efforts at the EU level have focused on ensuring that rural development, and specifically LEADER-CLLD, remain central in the next European cycle (2028–2034). With the Continue reading →
The European Union’s next programming period (2028-2034) is on the horizon, and with it comes the National Rural and Partnership Plans (NRPPs). These plans are not just bureaucratic exercises: they are the blueprint for rural Continue reading →
What is LEADER really about today, and what should it become tomorrow? (2/2)
This article reviews a second recent discussion paper on the future of LEADER-CLLD. The first one, focusing on the work of the Transnational Cooperation project “Our Common Continue reading →
We welcome the recognition of rural areas in the future EU budget architecture and the proposed introduction of a dedicated rural spending target. In a recent letter addressed to us, European Commission President Ursula von der Continue reading →
What is LEADER really about today, and what should it become tomorrow? (1/2)
After more than 30 years of implementation across Europe, the LEADER-CLLD approach stands at a crossroads. In a context of multiple crises, growing territorial inequalities, democratic fatigue Continue reading →
What makes LEADER more than just a funding programme? A new scientific study from Estonia proposes an answer: its ability to create social value through trust, cooperation, and community-led governance.
Published in European Urban and Regional Studies, the Continue reading →
We launch today a targeted letter campaign addressed to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and members of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), calling for concrete commitments to protect and strengthen the LEADER-CLLD approach Continue reading →
The IDRON project, Innovative Dual sustainable solutions for Rural water scarcity and use OptimizatioN, officially kicked off this week. As an associated partner, ELARD was present on 10–11 November at the University of Patras, Greece. Continue reading →
