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!
A recent survey by the EU CAP Network on the thematic work of the National Networks (NNs) revealed that the majority of them are working on LEADER and rural development. Activities vary, but a common point is the support NNs offer to Local Action Groups (LAGs) to make the most of their work.
- Discover the topics of the National Networks' thematic work
Read on to learn about recent and upcoming activities of some National Networks in support of LEADER implementation.
Bulgaria: focus on networking and cooperation
The Bulgarian NN - the host of the latest NN meeting – is focusing its support of LEADER through networking and cooperation. Their activities include: capacity building (training, exchange of know-how and experience, good practices, lessons learnt, etc.); preparation and implementation of cooperation; management, monitoring and evaluation of the Local Development Strategy (LDS) and its animation; and, of course, networking events (seminars, conferences, festivals...).
The NN's annual workplan 2024-2025 focused on developing the connection between LAGs and the Managing Authority and Paying Agency, as well as supporting the information flow between them. The NN played a crucial role in establishing better dialogue between the LAGs while providing detailed information about the requirements and eligibility criteria for the calls under the CAP Strategic Plan.
The NN has organised seminars targeting local LEADER actors with the aim of clarifying the new rules for CLLD implementation in the 2023-2027 programming period, opportunities for LAG support and rules for the preparation of the project beneficiary applications.
The NN’s annual workplan 2025-2026 also includes several activities directed towards CLLD. A conference in spring 2026 will gather the newly contracted LAGs and allow them to share the activities planned under their new LDS. Other planned events include a good practice workshop to present best practice examples from the 2014-2020 implementation period and share lessons learnt, as well as a capacity-building workshop for LAG representatives and their beneficiaries.
Czechia: ‘speed dating’ for cooperation projects
The team of the National Network of Local Action Groups (NS MAS), in collaboration with the Czech NN, organised two events aimed at supporting cooperation between LAGs and facilitating the creation of new cooperation projects, respectively in December 2024 and June 2025. Around 35–45 representatives of LAGs and other organisations participated in the events. A significant added value was the presence of representatives of the Managing Authority (Ministry of Agriculture) and the Paying Agency (State Agricultural Intervention Fund), who provided consultations on project plans and relevant rules.
Both events had a similar programme: an introductory panel discussion, where representatives of selected LAGs shared their experiences, followed by the core of the event - a ‘speed dating’ session where participants took turns at tables and could introduce their respective projects and identify potential partners for collaborations. The informal and friendly atmosphere allowed for new contacts and inspiration for further joint projects.
The results of both meetings were very positive. The participants appreciated the opportunity to quickly establish new contacts, receive immediate feedback, and be inspired by the experiences of other LAGs. The presence of representatives of the Managing Authority and the Paying Agency was perceived as a great benefit due to the possibility of consultations directly on site. Based on the positive feedback, the NS MAS is considering expanding the concept to other topics, such as social innovation, community energy, or international cooperation.
- Learn about Czechia's integrated approach to Community-Led Local Development (CLLD)
Spain: LEADER for cooperation and generational renewal
A landmark initiative by the Spanish NN was the ‘LEADER experience exchange’ on Generational renewal as a motor of rural development (Alberca – Salamanca, Castilla y León, June 2024). The event aimed to showcase successful experiences of LEADER projects supporting generational renewal across different sectors (small businesses, housing, technology, etc.), reflecting on challenges and opportunities, and learning about different local contexts. Field visits completed the programme of the event. A recording of the meeting discussions is available on the NN’s YouTube channel.
The NN is planning a new ‘LEADER experience exchange’ on LEADER cooperation that will take place in early 2026. This two-day, in-person conference will aim to showcase opportunities for inter-territorial LEADER cooperation during the 2023-2027 programming period, present the current state of cooperation in the various territories, and share good practice examples of regional, inter-territorial and transnational cooperation projects. It will also foster the search for partners for LEADER cooperation projects that are starting or in progress. LAGs, regional networks, Managing Authorities and LEADER managers will be welcome to join from across the EU – keep an eye on the Spanish NN website and social media for updates.
Ireland: LEADER capacity building workshop
CAP Network Ireland, in collaboration with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG), recently hosted a LEADER Capacity Building Workshop in Athlone. The event brought together key LEADER actors from across rural Ireland, including LAGs and their Implementing Partners (IPs).
The event included presentations by the EU CAP Network – particularly on the new LEADER networking tools – and other NNs. A presentation by the Finnish Network on how to capture LEADER's added value offered insights from Finland’s step-by-step approach to demonstrating LEADER’s impact at both local and national levels. Discussions on practical experiences of implementing Local Development Strategies (LDS) in the current programming period highlighted the importance of staff expertise in delivering strategies, strong local engagement, and the trust built with communities - particularly in engaging stakeholders who are difficult to reach. The importance of simplifying the LEADER programme, increasing the involvement of younger people in it, and the recruitment of volunteers were also emphasised.
A second capacity-building workshop is taking place in November 2025 and will be targeted primarily at LEADER project officers. It will focus on programme administration, procurement requirements, and LEADER’s role in supporting the Bioeconomy.
Sweden: LAGs are ‘ready to make a difference’
Every year, the Swedish Rural Network (Landsbygdsnätverket) organises a national LEADER meeting gathering LAGs, LEADER offices, and organisations and associations that contribute to LEADER implementation and rural development in general. The 2025 meeting took place in Visby, Gotland, on the theme ‘Ready to make a difference’. The programme – prepared with inputs from key actors involved in LEADER implementation - included the sessions ‘When the crisis comes – the role of rural areas for our preparedness’, ‘LEADER in the next programming period’ and ‘From action to words’. Speakers included the State Secretary to the Minister for Rural Affairs and the Acting Director General of the Swedish Agency for Agriculture. To better prepare the the meeting, the Swedish NN published the podcast ’LEADER leads the way – from idea to prepared communities in crisis and war’.
In addition to the annual national LEADER meeting, the Swedish NN also provides funding for yearly regional meetings to foster knowledge development and exchange between LEADER areas within a defined region.
In 2024-2025, the Swedish NN has already produced six articles describing good examples of LEADER projects in the field of tourism, energy and green transition. The articles are disseminated through newsletters and social media and are available on the NNs' website – more articles are being produced in late 2025.
An interesting initiative by the NN (2023-24) was a ‘project spinner’ on the website leadersverige.se, which maps all the 40 LEADER LAGs in Sweden. This online tool scans all the websites of the LEADER areas and randomly selects examples of LEADER projects, which are then displayed on the leadersverige.se website. The NN website then links to the Leadersverige website.
