Our Common Future project results highlight the role and added value of LEADER

The transnational cooperation project Our Common Future explored the role and added value of LEADER in a changing Europe, building on more than 30 years of experience with the LEADER approach.

The project brought together Local Action Groups from Austria, Luxembourg, Portugal and Bulgaria, together with associated LAGs from Sweden, Finland, Italy, France, Spain, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia and Romania. The lead partner was LEADER-forum Austria.

Through this European cooperation, partners explored innovative LEADER approaches, experiences of LAGs inside and outside the EU, policy frameworks, communication and ways in which Local Action Groups can respond to new challenges.

One of the central messages is that LEADER is more than a funding instrument. Its added value lies in bringing people and sectors together, supporting participation and innovation, and connecting local action with regional, national and European levels.

The evolving role of Local Action Groups

The project results highlight LAGs as regional intermediaries. Alongside managing local development strategies and supporting local initiatives, they can connect municipalities, businesses and civil society, support new ideas and help communities respond to economic and societal change.

Another important theme is regional resilience. LEADER can contribute to stronger local economic cycles, resource and energy security and crisis preparedness, as well as community, trust, participation and democratic resilience.

At the same time, the findings underline the continued relevance of LEADER’s core principles. Rather than creating completely new structures, the focus is on recognising and strengthening the strategic role that LEADER and Local Action Groups can play in rural areas.

Explore the project results

The results of Our Common Future are available in the full project report and several publications that build on its findings and highlight specific themes.

The New LEADER Added Value – final report
The full report of Our Common Future brings together the different strands of the transnational cooperation project, including innovative LEADER approaches in Europe, experiences of LAGs outside the EU, policy frameworks, communication approaches and reflections on the added value of LEADER. → Read the full report
A new discourse on LEADER’s added value
Building on the full project results, this publication further develops the discussion on LEADER’s added value and its strategic importance for rural areas and territorial cohesion. → Read the publication
The LEADER Added Value – how Local Action Groups strengthen Europe’s rural areas
A concise overview of LEADER’s added value and the role of LAGs as regional hubs connecting municipalities, businesses and civil society. → Read and share the publication
Comprehensive resilience building in Europe with LEADER and Local Action Groups
A focused overview of how LEADER and LAGs can contribute to different dimensions of resilience and help rural regions respond and adapt to change. → Read and share the publication

Continuing the discussion

The results of Our Common Future are not intended to provide a set of ready-made answers. They offer a basis for continuing the strategic discussion on the role and future of LEADER-CLLD in Europe.

The findings also connect closely with ELARD’s ongoing work to strengthen the visibility of LEADER, support its role in European policy and keep local communities at the heart of rural development.

We encourage LAGs, networks, policymakers and other rural development stakeholders to explore the results, share the materials and continue the discussion on what LEADER can and should deliver in the years ahead.

Elard