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 Future” can be found here ==> Part 1.
A recent discussion paper from the European Association for Innovation in Local Development (AEIDL) offers a reflection on LEADER-CLLD could evolve in the coming years, and the opportunities for change that the next MFF offers. The paper revisits some well-known elements of LEADER-CLLD, while also raising questions about how the method might adapt to future policy and governance contexts. Two reflections from the paper were particularly interesting for us to highlight.
Rethinking the seven LEADER characteristics
The paper revisits the seven well-known characteristics of LEADER-CLLD and asks whether all of them remain equally relevant in today’s policy and governance context. According to the authors, some of these characteristics have effectively become standard practice in rural development policy and therefore no longer represent the distinctive added value of LEADER.
For example, elements such as the area-based approach or integrated development strategies are now widely embedded in many development programmes. The paper suggests that, rather than repeating these principles as defining features of LEADER, more attention should be placed on the characteristics that truly differentiate the approach today: notably bottom-up decision-making, local partnerships, innovation, networking and cooperation.
This reflection invites stakeholders to consider whether the LEADER framework should focus more clearly on the features that enable communities to experiment, collaborate and shape development locally, rather than on elements that have become standard administrative requirements across programmes and policies.
Towards stronger LAGs with broader responsibilities
A second core reflection concerns the evolving role of LAGs. The paper suggests that LAGs could increasingly act as trusted local development agents, rather than being limited primarily to the management of a single funding stream – perfectly alining with what we have been advocating for in the last few months.
To play this role, LAGs would need the capacity to mobilise and combine multiple funding sources, working across programmes and sectors. This would allow them to address local development challenges more strategically and respond more flexibly to community needs.
In this perspective, LAGs could function as platforms that coordinate local development initiatives, connect actors and funding opportunities, and support integrated solutions at territorial level. Such an evolution would strengthen the role of LEADER structures as long-term local governance actors rather than simply programme delivery mechanisms.
Read the full paper
Authors: Raquel Pastor Carretero, Rural and Territorial Development Expert (AEIDL); Serafín PazosVidal, Senior Expert Rural and Territorial Development (AEIDL)
Date: March 2026
For those interested in exploring the reflections in more detail, the full discussion paper is available here: