From Policy to Practice: Youth Perspectives on the Future of Rural Europe
When we discuss the future of rural Europe, we are often confronted with daunting statistics. The reality that the average farm manager in the EU is 57, and 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 →
The ELARD Knowledge Hub continued its work in 2025 as a growing European cooperation platform supporting rural development across Europe. Through its projects, the Hub contributes to rural policy development, promotes the LEADER and 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 →
As the year draws to a close, we would like to extend our warmest thanks to our community and partners for your continued commitment to rural development across Europe.
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 →
Successful Training days for LAG Managers within the COM4LGD Project in Tirol
Earlier this autumn, Local Action Group (LAG) managers from across Europe gathered in St. Johann in Tirol, Austria, for an intensive Exclusive Networking & Capacity Building Training Continue reading →