What is LEADER really about today, and what should it become tomorrow?
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 and increasing distance between citizens and institutions, the question is no longer whether LEADER works, but whether we are fully using its potential.
The final report of the transnational cooperation project “Our Common Future”, which involved partner LAGs from 13 countries, offers a thought-provoking contribution to this debate. Rather than looking backwards, it asks a simple but powerful question: what is the new added value of LEADER in today’s Europe?
LEADER as more than a funding tool
The report reframes LEADER not as a technical delivery mechanism, but as a people-centred policy instrument with a unique role in rural (and increasingly urban and coastal) areas.
Across its analysis, LEADER emerges as:
– a democracy lab, where participation, trust-building and deliberation happen at local level;
– an innovation engine, especially for social and transformative innovation;
– an intermediary, bridging public authorities, civil society, businesses and citizens;
– a concrete way to make the European Union visible and meaningful in everyday life;
– a transnational network connecting over 3,000 Local Action Groups across Europe and beyond.
Why this debate matters now
The report does not shy away from difficult questions. It openly addresses the risks of bureaucratisation, the loss of innovation focus, capacity gaps within LAGs and administrations, and the growing pressure to treat LEADER as “just another funding scheme”.
At the same time, it argues that these challenges make LEADER more necessary than ever. Acceptance of change, social cohesion and local resilience cannot be delivered top-down. They require trusted local structures, proximity to people and the ability to work across levels and sectors.
A call to rethink ambition, not principles
One of the key messages is clear: the core principles of LEADER remain valid. What needs to evolve is the level of ambition and the framework conditions. This is even more timely as we are in the middle of negociations for the next Multi-annual financial framework.
The report invites policymakers, administrations, networks and LAGs themselves to reflect on:
– strengthening LEADER’s role as an innovation intermediary, not only a project selector,
– investing in skills, long-term capacities and trust,
– balancing innovation and pragmatism to deliver both everyday solutions and transformation,
– safeguarding bottom-up governance while reducing unnecessary administrative burden,
– recognising LEADER as a strategic partner for EU priorities such as resilience, cohesion and democratic participation.
Food for thought
“Our Common Future” is not a set of ready-made answers. It is an invitation to re-open a strategic debate on the future of LEADER- CLLD in Europe. For us, the report strongly resonates with our ongoing advocacy efforts: defending LEADER’s place in EU policy, strengthening its visibility, and ensuring that local communities remain at the heart of European development.
📄 Read the full report: The new LEADER added value (Final report, 2025)
We warmly encourage LAGs, networks, policymakers and all interested stakeholders to engage with its reflections, and to join the conversation on what LEADER can and should deliver in the years ahead.