Food for thoughts Archives

9 February, 2026

ELARD welcomes recognition of rural target but calls for clear framework to ensure real territorial impact

Brussels, 09 February 2026

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 →

The LEADER added value: why local, people-centred development matters more than ever

Marie Permingeat

2 February, 2026

The LEADER added value: why local, people-centred development matters more than ever

What is LEADER really about today, and what should it become tomorrow?

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 and Continue reading →

Beyond funding: how LEADER builds social value in rural communities

Marie Permingeat

26 January, 2026

Beyond funding: how LEADER builds social value in rural communities

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 →

Marie Permingeat

28 October, 2025

2025 Declaration of Inverurie

Europe’s rural communities have spoken with one clear voice: we hold the keys to the solutions Europe needs.

On 23rd October 2025, at the closing of the 6th European Rural Parliament (ERP) in Inverurie, over 400 delegates representing thousands of Continue reading →

Bringing Local Action Groups back to the centre of European attention

Marie Permingeat

30 September, 2025

Bringing Local Action Groups back to the centre of European attention

Brussels, 30th September

Today in the European Parliament, we shed a light on LAGs, in a conversation with Members of the European Parliament, representatives of DG AGRI and REGIO. Piotr Sadłocha, our president, took the floor and rang the Continue reading →

EU Strategy for generational renewal in agriculture

Marie Permingeat

11 July, 2025

EU Strategy for generational renewal in agriculture

Next week, the Commission will close its consultation on its Generational Reneval in Agriculture.

At ELARD, here’s the thoughts we’ve contributed with:

For this strategy to deliver sustainable results, the EC must adopt a broader, territorial approach: one that recognises Continue reading →

Shaping the Future of Rural Europe: ELARD at the Forefront of Renewed Rural Policies

Marie Permingeat

10 March, 2025

Shaping the Future of Rural Europe: ELARD at the Forefront of Renewed Rural Policies

Last week, ELARD engaged in strategic discussions with EU leaders, including Vice-President Raffaele Fitto and DG REGIO Policy Director Peter Berkowitz. The focus? Ensuring rural development is not just a policy add-on but a core element across EU initiatives.

The Continue reading →