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.

Discover

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

Group picture from the Bobrza River Basin LEADER LAG, Poland (c) Bobrza River Basin LAG
13 Nov 2025

What are LAGs working on? Episode 2

We continue our series with a look at Local Development Strategies by two LAGs in Poland and Denmark, where LEADER is enabling Smart Villages, social capital and economic innovation.

  • CAP Implementation
Irish National Network capacity building for LEADER (c) Irish National Network
12 Nov 2025

How do National Networks support LEADER?

Networking, capacity-building workshops and even speed dating: National Networks are not short of ideas when it comes to supporting LEADER!

  • CAP Implementation
Man jumping over a river in the mountains
12 Nov 2025

Making LEADER braver – Bolder action in Austrian rural development

In 2025, Austrian Local Action Groups have chosen ‘Making LEADER braver’ as an overarching ambition for their work. Discover what this means and how it is happening in practice.

  • CAP Implementation

Upcoming LEADER events

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