Details

National LAG Code
28992731
Spoken languages
Romanian, English, Italian
Main Fund
European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development
Main Programme
CAP Strategic Plan - Romania
Additional Fund
European Social Fund Plus
Number of LAG staff
7.0

Physical & demographic characteristics of LAG area

The Local Action Group (LAG) „Micro-Regiunea Văilor Crișurilor Alb și Negru” is located in Arad County and has two rural communes from Bihor County, in the western part of Romania, near the border with Hungary. Below is a summary of the physical and demographic characteristics of this LAG area:
📌 Location & Geography

  • Situated in Arad County and Bihor County, part of the Crișana historical region.
  • Encompasses areas around the Crișul Alb (White Criș) and Crișul Negru (Black Criș) rivers.
  • Terrain is mainly plain, with elevations ranging from 150 to 400 meters.
  • Fertile agricultural land, forests, and pastures dominate the landscape.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Population

  • Estimated population: 88.824 inhabitants.
  • Population density is low to medium, typical for rural Romania.
  • Trend: Population decline and aging, as younger residents migrate to urban areas or abroad.

Main economic activities:

  • Agriculture
  • Wood processing
  • Small-scale trade and services
  • Basic infrastructure
  • Rural tourism potential: traditions, craft, nature

Assets & land use of the LAG area

The LAG „Micro-Regiunea Văilor Crișurilor Alb și Negru” is located in Arad County and has two rural communes from Bihor County, Romania, covering rural communes along the Crișul Alb and Crișul Negru rivers. The area features plains and hills with fertile land. Land use: approx. 60% arable (cereals, corn, sunflower), 15% pastures, 12% forests, 3% orchards, 5% built-up areas. Assets include farmland, forests, water resources, and rural tourism potential. The economy is based on small and family farms, mixed agriculture, and traditional practices. Infrastructure is partially developed (electricity, roads, water), with limited access to gas and sewage. Key development potential lies in agrotourism, traditional products, short food supply chains, and cultural and natural heritage valorization.

Decision-making body's entities number
5 entities
We cover
61 873 people
Our territory is
1 898.55 km²
We operate in
23 municipalities

Cermei, Craiva, Grăniceri, Macea, Mişca, Olari, Pilu, Seleuş, Sintea Mare, Oraş Sântana, Socodor, Şepreuş, Şimand, Zărand, Zerind, Zimandu Nou, Avram Iancu, Ciumeghiu, Livada, Şofronea, Oraş Chişineu-Criş, Oraş Curtici, Apateu

LAG strategy

Key Themes of LAG Strategy

Key themes of the LAG strategy include: support for non-agricultural rural businesses, improvement of basic services and infrastructure (roads, utilities, health, social services), promotion of local cooperation and partnerships, cultural and educational development (including sports and youth activities), environmental protection and health-related investments, and capacity-building through training, counseling, and awareness. The strategy focuses on increasing rural quality of life, economic diversification, and inclusive development tailored to local needs.

Additional information on the strategy

The LAG strategy 2023–2027, titled “Crafting Common Values,” was developed through participatory consultation with local stakeholders. It addresses key rural challenges such as youth migration, limited non-agricultural employment, and access to basic services. The strategy emphasizes economic diversification, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and digital transformation. It promotes partnerships, supports entrepreneurship, and encourages the preservation of cultural and natural heritage. The approach is integrated, community-led, and aligned with LEADER and CLLD principles, aiming to strengthen local identity and resilience.

Themes linked to LAG Strategy

Themes of interest in CLLD cooperation

Contacts

Main contact

nr. 1, 317305 Com. SOCODOR, jud. ARAD - Romania
gal@gal-mvc.ro
+40 257350894

Cooperation contact

Claudia Adjudeanu
gal@gal-mvc.ro