LEADER local action opportunities with the Rural Pact

LEADER has been recognised for its potential to help achieve Europe’s long-term vision for rural areas (LTVRA) by empowering rural communities across the continent.

Strong engagement in the LTVRA by a wide range of stakeholders at Member State, regional and local levels is considered essential for delivering good outcomes. In this respect, the 2021 launch of the Rural Pact has been pivotal for the LTVRA with a dedicated governance body, collaborative platform and support office facilitating interactions and creating knowledge for rural communities and policymakers.

Close cooperation between LEADER and the Rural Pact can generate mutual benefits and synergies for many different stakeholders from various local, national, and EU levels. We spoke to the Rural Pact Support Office to learn more about LEADER’s useful potential within the wider Rural Action Plan.

A key opening message from the Rural Pact Support Office underlined that: “Local levels are where the main actions and impacts need to be felt. However, national or regional level activity is essential to bring the benefits to local rural communities. To facilitate this, in our first year of operations during 2023 we have been focusing on activities at national and regional levels with Member States to establish higher level policy frameworks. In particular, we prepared a policy briefing on 'Making the Rural Pact happen in Member States'. Since 2024, our focus is mainly at the local level."

“Examples include our event in May 2024 on 'Bringing the Rural Pact closer to citizens', which will be followed by another publication in the autumn. During discussions and sharing of experience with rural stakeholders across the EU, we have seen that localised outreach networks are vital in all EU countries to attain the objectives of the Rural Vision and Pact. LEADER LAGs were often highlighted in this process as an opportunity because of the CLLD methodology’s proven ability to mobilise and empower local actors.”

LEADER’s Rural Pact potential

“We know that LEADER cannot do everything, yet equally we know LEADER can do quite a lot. The thousands of LEADER Local Development Strategies that will operate for the 2023-2027 period, for example, are noted by the EU as being a key Common Agricultural Policy tool used to respond to multiple rural needs in areas such as employment, social inclusion or services.

“LAGs are well placed and well established to be involved as key Rural Pact promoters in areas where LEADER funding is eligible. In addition, LAGs are local development partnerships that can also act as catalysts for coordinating action taking advantage of other support available. Rural stakeholders can draw inspiration in the 2021-2027 programming cycle from examples of this such as in France’s integrated territorial development models and Italy’s inner area strategy approach.”

“Such examples represent good practices because they build on existing strengths and operational arrangements. They don’t reinvent a new partnership or duplicate effort. They give LEADER a strong role in an overall sustainable development support system for rural populations. They also appreciate the gains from nurturing the wider potential of LAGs.”

“LEADER, therefore, has a lot of possibilities for making the Rural Pact happen for citizens in tangible terms because of its position, coverage, credibility and experience. We invite all LAGs to become involved and we welcome their initiative and commitment to act. If you are not yet a member of the Rural Pact community, please join us. We also encourage you to make a commitment to take concrete action.”