Networking insights: geographical cluster meetings in early 2025

Geographical clusters are informal gatherings that allow the National Networks (NNs) to exchange, learn and collaborate on common topics of interest, based on their geographical proximity. The cluster meetings go back a long way (you can read more about their history in this Policy Insights article), and they are a key stakeholder-led networking action which also helps the EU CAP Network get feedback on current NN activities and inputs for future actions.

While the clusters are organised by geographical proximity - smaller group settings that allow for more focused and practical exchanges - some topics were discussed at all the recent geographical cluster meetings. These include the latest EU CAP Network’s activities related to LEADER, including the launch of the LAG Directory on our website, and continued follow-up on some initiatives defined at the 4th NN Meeting's Networking Hackathon.

Catch up quickly below on the main topics discussed in each of the geographical clusters.

Atlantic cluster

Collaborations among NNs in this region continue with the Wallon NN collaborating with Luxembourg on a second call for tenders and strengthening cross-border ties. The Dutch NN recently hosted a webinar on regional collaboration.

Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) was a key topic discussed in this cluster, in which the Wallon NN announced the upcoming launch of a new AKIS platform. The Luxembourgish NN is participating in the ModernAKIS project, and the Portuguese NN has established a group to monitor AKIS activities. The NNs flagged the importance of clearly defining the role of knowledge transfer within national agricultural networks and the overlap between networking and AKIS.

Another key topic for this cluster has been women in agriculture, and a meeting was dedicated to sharing examples on this topic. A presentation was given by the Irish Network on Ireland’s recent policies, funding schemes, and training programmes aimed at enhancing gender equality in agriculture.

Youth is another key area of interest. The Portuguese NN is preparing a rural youth cluster meeting in autumn this year, the Dutch NN has organised promotion activities, and the Luxembourgish NN runs dedicated farm visits to attract younger generations.

NNs are also active in knowledge sharing and capacity building. The Portuguese NN is continuing its series of demonstration farm initiatives. The Irish NN is organising national and international study visits to stimulate learning and innovation, and the Dutch NN is focusing on capacity-building through training sessions for monitoring committees on CAP programmes.

Central and Eastern European cluster

Discussions in this cluster highlighted recent and upcoming events and activities organised by the NNs, which were often linked to LEADER-related work. These included a national conference in Czechia on multi-funding CLLD (explained in detail in this article) as well as an annual LEADER Fest; the next edition of the annual LEADER Conference in Austria (in June); and thematic working groups on LEADER run by the NNs in Croatia, Poland and Slovakia. The Romanian NN organised a workshop on good practices and innovation in LEADER, while an information-sharing meeting of LAGs and Managing Authorities took place in Hungary.

The Polish NN has launched a good practice competition (read more about their experience in this article) alongside a series of podcasts and field visits. In Hungary, the NN organised the Rural Academy with more than 200 participants, focusing on the new calls for applications, mainly aimed at young farmers.

The Croatian NN is running a thematic group for women in rural areas with members from universities, NGOs and governmental institutions.

The Austrian NN launched a new online database containing projects for this and previous programming periods. They also organised a webinar on soil health and a 'farminar' - an on-farm webinar - about ‘agri-photovoltaic’ and renewable energy.

In Slovakia, the NN is preparing for two exhibitions - the National Field Days (in June), and Agrokomplex (in September), while a focus group on LEADER is ongoing.

The Slovenian NN was running the national competition ‘EU project – my project’ (organised by the Slovenian Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development to show the actual impact of European funds on the quality of life to the widest possible audience), and the Bulgarian NN will be co-hosting the upcoming EU CAP Network NN meeting planned for October 2025.

Nordic-Baltic cluster

One of the highlights was the Finnish NN’s upcoming training programme on Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is expected to reach around 450 participants and introduce practical AI tools for rural development. The initiative sparked interest among all NNs, who expressed a desire to explore the topic further in future sessions.

Estonia continues its active podcast series, with the next episode focusing on innovation. The Estonian NN is also organising a LEADER seminar for all LAGs in the country. Sweden reported on preparations for a national LEADER event scheduled during its rural week (5-11 May 2025), aiming to foster discussions on policy effectiveness and community engagement.

Most of the NNs in this cluster are prioritising the simplification of procedures and reporting, aligning with strategic goals set by their respective Managing Authorities (for example, learn about Estonia's successful experience with Simplified Cost Options in LEADER). Latvia will host the next in-person cluster meeting, with the date and agenda yet to be confirmed.

Mediterranean cluster

The Mediterranean cluster met in person for the second time, back-to-back with the 5th National Networks Meeting on 20 March 2025 in Nemea, Greece.

Here, the Networks focused on finding opportunities for collaboration between cluster members. They identified common challenges and proposed solutions in three main areas: knowledge sharing, farmer outreach, and evaluation. Ideas included: a series of joint webinars building on the experience of the Networks to Innovate webinars by the Estonian NN; cross-visits to improve farmers’ engagement; and learning from other networks about evaluation.

For better engagement with farmers, particularly those under Pillar 1 of the CAP, they proposed cross-visits and tying the provision of additional information to final payments. Regarding evaluation, following Romania’s initiative to assess the qualitative impact of their activities, NNs agreed to consult the Thematic Cluster on Evaluation and learn from the Finnish NN's experience in this area.

This meeting reaffirmed that physical gatherings are an important tool to strengthen relationships and deepen exchanges on shared priorities.

More about networking

Geographical cluster meetings provide a vital bridge between the formal National Networks meetings, which happen twice a year. They serve as practical, focused opportunities for exchange and collaboration, powered by the commitment and creativity of the NNs themselves. As momentum continues to build, these peer-led gatherings play an essential role in the implementation of the CAP and the promotion of rural development across Europe.

Updates about the work of the thematic clusters will follow soon – stay tuned and make sure you are subscribed to the EU CAP Network’s newsletter to receive monthly updates!