News Archives

27 April, 2026

LEADER Youth Community at the opening of European Youth Week 2026

European Youth Week 2026, organised by the European Commission, takes place from 24 April to 1 May, bringing together young people from across Europe to promote youth Continue reading →

Reflections from the NEXRUR Community-led Business Model Innovation Workshop

Meeri Maastik

22 April, 2026

Reflections from the NEXRUR Community-led Business Model Innovation Workshop

From 15–17 April, the NEXRUR “Community-led Business Model Innovation Workshop” took place in Burgos, bringing together partners from across Europe and China. The workshop marked the kick-off of the Continue reading →

Have your say – contribute to the Communities for Local Green Deals survey

Meeri Maastik

18 April, 2026

Have your say – contribute to the Communities for Local Green Deals survey

ELARD invites Local Action Groups and other community-led local development actors to take part in a short survey as part of the Communities for Local Green Deals Continue reading →

From Policy to Practice: Youth Perspectives on the Future of Rural Europe

Meeri Maastik

7 April, 2026

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 →

LEADER–CLLD Post‑2027: Redefining the EU’s role in local development

Marie Permingeat

30 March, 2026

LEADER–CLLD Post‑2027: Redefining the EU’s role in local development

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 →

ELARD Knowledge Hub: A Year of Growth and Partnerships

Meeri Maastik

12 March, 2026

ELARD Knowledge Hub: A Year of Growth and Partnerships

A Year of Growth and Partnerships

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 →

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

Marie Permingeat

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? (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 →

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 →

Happy Holidays from ELARD Knowledge Hub!

Annie Linsemark

19 December, 2025

Happy Holidays from ELARD Knowledge Hub!

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 wish you a peaceful Continue reading →