Working towards LEADER transnational cooperation
- CAP Implementation
- CAP Strategic Plans
- Communication
- LEADER
- Long-term Vision for Rural Areas
- Networking
- Rural Development
- Smart Villages
- Socio-economic Impacts
Transnational cooperation (TNC) has always been an integral part of LEADER, and this expertise in TNC helps to strengthen the implementation of community-led local development throughout rural Europe.
Transnational cooperation (TNC) has been an integral part of LEADER since this Community Initiative started. All Member States now have considerable experience with supporting TNC through the EU’s thousands of Local Action Groups (LAGs). A new era of TNC support by these LAGs is now ongoing, and this will build on expertise in using TNC to strengthen the implementation of community-led local development throughout rural Europe.
A basic premise of TNC involves LAGs working together to achieve added value outcomes for their communities and businesses that could not have been achieved by the LAGs individually. LAGs involved in TNC need to be able to demonstrate to themselves, to each other and to the public both the tangible and intangible benefits of undertaking TNC projects. This is the context within which LAGs are designing their TNC proposals.
One source of useful information for TNC proposals and opportunities is the annual LINC congress, run by the Leader Inspired Network Community and prepared by LAG representatives. The EU CAP Network will participate at LINC24 in June 2024 to provide advice about TNC processes. We asked the event organisers how this popular annual gathering of LAGs can help LEADER stakeholders work successfully towards new TNC added value outcomes.
LINC24
Explaining the LINC concept, the organisers said: “It's all about bringing different LAGs together and letting them mix their visionary thoughts. Instead of each LAG doing its own thing in its own region, LINC sparks cooperation across the borders. The benefit? It's an open informal brainstorming space where everyone is invited. Above all, LINC is a meeting space, a unique opportunity for LAGs, but also for their communities, to gather in a less formal setting. Here, LAGs and their communities unite, intertwining the distinct strands of their regional heritage into a shared story.
Through LINC, we involve local actors, decision-makers and LAGs with expertise and experience in both cooperation and rural development. LINC is where these rural communities don't merely encounter new horizons; they gracefully step into them, guided by the adept hands of experienced LAGs. This dialogue, this rhythmic interchange of knowledge and best practices, forms the LINC pulse.
TNC tips
A ’Cooperation corner’ at LINC24 will provide LAGs with possibilities to meet and develop TNC ideas. One tip from the organisers here is for LAGs to “be able to clearly describe in two minutes the idea for your TNC project aims and plans”.
Other advice from LINC on how best to confirm the additional benefits that TNC project participants gain (particularly those aspects which would not have been possible working alone in their own LAG area) includes, “The main key: think big and be open minded - TNC is all about working together without borders in your mind.
“Our cooperation corner, supported by the EU CAP Network within LINC 2024, is a unique opportunity for LAGs with experience in TNC project funding to make a valuable exchange of information, as well as share good practice and unfiltered TNC advice.”
Rural Romania is the location for LINC24, and its hosts are organising an agenda “initiated by LAGs that combines networking, rural tourism, gastronomy, and culture. Set in the mystical Transylvanian lands near Cluj-Napoca, we aim to weave a spellbinding experience, one that resonates deeply with everyone at LINC24. Together, let's sculpt a future where transnational cooperation through LEADER is not just a strategy, but a celebration of rural Europe’s collective potential.”
Visit the EU CAP Network’s dedicated sessions during LINC24 to learn more about working towards LEADER transnational cooperation.
