Building LAG capacity for multi-funding and simplification
- CAP Implementation
- CAP Strategic Plans
- LEADER
- Long-term Vision for Rural Areas
- Networking
- Rural Development
- Smart Villages
Our recent support for LAGs includes publications about LEADER and multi-funding as well as expert presentations on this topic and simplification at the LEADER Congress.
A Highlights Report from our workshop on multi-funding for LEADER has been published. Its content summarises the event’s networking of expertise and experience on multi-funding matters from different Member States.
Snippets from the report note how the use of the multi-funded approaches can strengthen LEADER’s ability to make sure that rural areas are not ‘left behind’ in development - by enabling local communities to address a more diverse set of development themes and increasing the funding opportunities for development. The advantages of harmonised management systems across the funds at the national level were another key point underlined by the workshop, which also identified opportunities for simplified approaches for LAGs to apply for multi-funding.
A background paper that was prepared for the workshop is also now available online on the event's website page. This gives a summary of how multi-funding was delivered during the 2014-2022 programme period as well as insights into what Member States are planning for the 2023-2027 period. It also makes recommendations that came out of the event in Slovenia last year.
Outcomes from the workshop helped inform our advice to LAGs that we provided during the December LEADER Congress. Here we worked with colleagues from Member States to provide two different capacity building sessions for the Congress delegates on multi-funding and simplification.
Good practices, tips and other practical points on multi-funding were included, as well as a presentation summarising various aspects of the application of Simplified Cost Options (SCOs) in Member States. The key messages of this presentation reinforced the importance of involving auditors during design stages for LEADER SCOs while also observing new possibilities for digitalisation to aid efficiency and effectiveness.
In addition to such support for LEADER, we are continuing to develop a dedicated LEADER section on the EU CAP Network website. This will include a directory of all EU LAGs which will be launched later in 2024 Consultations are ongoing with Managing Authorities and LAGs about the development of proposed website tools.
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