Europe needs its rural areas. Are Member States and regions ready to unlock their potential?

Europe cannot meet its biggest challenges without its rural areas. The European Commission’s proposals for the next EU budget open new opportunities for community-led development. Continue reading →

European Commission recognises the importance of LEADER for rural development

On 7 October 2026, ELARD received a response from the European Commission to its letter concerning equal development opportunities for rural citizens under the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034. Continue reading →

Our Common Future project results highlight the role and added value of LEADER

The transnational cooperation project Our Common Future explored the role and added value of LEADER in a changing Europe, building on more than 30 years of experience Continue reading →

Under the motto “All different. All together.”, the European Association for Rural Development and Village Renewal (ARGE) celebrated the 19th European Village Renewal Award (EV!RA) in Kostelní Lhota, Czech Republic.

The awards were presented on 11 September 2026, bringing together Continue reading →

On 16 September, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will deliver the State of the Union 2026 address to the European Parliament.

The annual State of the Union (SOTEU) address is an important moment to hear about the European Continue reading →