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.
In its letter of 14 July 2026, ELARD called for equal opportunities for rural communities to participate in local development and decision-making processes.
In its response, the European Commission confirmed its commitment to rural development and highlighted its proposal to make support for LEADER mandatory in future National and Regional Partnership Plans.
The Commission also recognised the importance of the bottom-up approach, citizen engagement and the role of local actors in decision-making.
Read the full correspondence: