LEADER/CLLD

Welcome to the section of the EU CAP Network website dedicated to LEADER/CLLD, the most successful policy tool for community-led local development (CLLD) in the EU!

We’ve designed this space to make it easier for you to find relevant information about LEADER/CLLD. Click on the links and icons below to learn about the policy framework for the LEADER programme (including a bit of history), the EU CAP Network’s activities in support of LEADER (networking, knowledge gathering and sharing), and to find news and events about LEADER.

You can also learn about inspiring LEADER projects across the EU and read more in our publications. The buttons below take you to the global overview of LEADER-related resources, which you can further refine using the filters on each page.

This space is being continuously updated with the latest information, initiatives and policy developments. We invite you to visit this page regularly to learn more.

If you have any questions, suggestions or content to share, please contact us at leader@eucapnetwork.eu.

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a person holding a potato in their hands

LEADER Explained

Discover about the origins of the LEADER approach and its key characteristics.

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People in a networking session

LEADER Transnational Cooperation (TNC)

Find out all the tools developed by the EU CAP Network to support your TNC experience.

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Rural area top view

LEADER LAG Directory

Connect with LEADER Local Action Groups across Europe from the 2023-2027 programming period.

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LEADER Resources

Find other relevant information on LEADER

Good Practice database

Get inspired by projects and initiatives that use the LEADER approach to make rural areas and communities more sustainable, connected, and resilient.

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Publications

Projects brochures, articles and other EU CAP Network publications about LEADER.

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LEADER Legislation

Find all the EU legislation applicable to LEADER/CLLD gathered in one place.

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LEADER Tools

Access a range of tools that help LEADER stakeholders to get to know each other, exchange, collaborate and evaluate their LEADER performance.

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Latest LEADER news

Czech National Network team at the conference CLLD – Prosperous Communities – Opportunity for a Shared Future 28+ in May 2025 (c) Czech National Network
20 Jun 2025

Integrated for impact: Czechia’s multi-fund CLLD model shows the way

Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) is not just LEADER with a new name. It’s about unlocking the full potential of EU funds- together. Czechia offers an inspiring example.

  • CAP Implementation
A view of Smart Village in Kaisiadoriu, Lithuania (c) Kaisiadoriu district LAG
19 Jun 2025

Smart Villages in Lithuania: innovations for rural future

Lithuania’s journey towards smarter and more resilient rural communities is gaining momentum with the introduction of the Smart Villages (SV) in the Lithuanian CAP Strategic Plan (CSP).

  • CAP Implementation
LEADER networking in Poland at the Conference by the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union
19 Jun 2025

Networking with LEADER in spring 2025

The EU CAP Network's team has been busy networking for and with LEADER in the last few months. Here's a recap of the main events we have attended!

  • CAP Implementation

Upcoming LEADER events