The LEADER approach is a European method for decentralised rural development based on the bottom-up principle.
Key features:
- Local Action Groups (LAGs): Public-private partnerships between municipalities, businesses and NGOs that manage the development of the region.
- Local strategy: The community itself sets its priorities and develops a strategy tailored to the specific needs of its territory.
- Territorial focus: Actions are aimed at small, homogeneous areas with a common identity.
- nnovation and integration: Projects that connect different sectors (e.g. agriculture, tourism and culture) in new ways are encouraged.
In short: LEADER transfers decision-making and management of funds from central government to local communities to ensure that investments meet real needs.
In Europe, the LEADER approach is implemented as a mandatory component of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy. There are over 2,800 Local Action Groups operating in Europe, covering more than 60% of the population in rural areas of the EU.