LEADER/CLLD

Welcome to the section of the EU CAP Network website dedicated to LEADER/CLLD, the most successful policy tool for community-led local development (CLLD) in the EU!

We’ve designed this space to make it easier for you to find relevant information about LEADER/CLLD. Click on the links and icons below to learn about the policy framework for the LEADER programme (including a bit of history), the EU CAP Network’s activities in support of LEADER (networking, knowledge gathering and sharing), and to find news and events about LEADER.

You can also learn about inspiring LEADER projects across the EU and read more in our publications. The buttons below take you to the global overview of LEADER-related resources, which you can further refine using the filters on each page.

This space is being continuously updated with the latest information, initiatives and policy developments. We invite you to visit this page regularly to learn more.

If you have any questions, suggestions or content to share, please contact us at leader@eucapnetwork.eu.

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a person holding a potato in their hands

LEADER Explained

Discover about the origins of the LEADER approach and its key characteristics.

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People in a networking session

LEADER Transnational Cooperation (TNC)

Find out all the tools developed by the EU CAP Network to support your TNC experience.

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Rural area top view

LEADER LAG Directory

Connect with LEADER Local Action Groups across Europe from the 2023-2027 programming period.

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LEADER Resources

Find other relevant information on LEADER

Good Practice database

Get inspired by projects and initiatives that use the LEADER approach to make rural areas and communities more sustainable, connected, and resilient.

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Publications

Projects brochures, articles and other EU CAP Network publications about LEADER.

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LEADER Legislation

Find all the EU legislation applicable to LEADER/CLLD gathered in one place.

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LEADER Tools

Access a range of tools that help LEADER stakeholders to get to know each other, exchange, collaborate and evaluate their LEADER performance.

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Latest LEADER news

Spanish delegation at young leader forum vierumaki finland 2024
14 Mar 2025

EU CAP Network's work on youth: perspectives from young LEADER stakeholders

The involvement of young people in LEADER is not just a question of representation—it is a crucial factor for the long-term sustainability and innovation of rural development.

  • CAP Implementation
Group of people at the LEADER Congress discussing a topic together
18 Nov 2024

Award winning rural cooperation projects from LEADER

This year's European LEADER Congress included an ELARD awards ceremony showcasing cooperation projects, which attracted a high-quality collection of LAG entries. Find out more about the winners here.

  • CAP Implementation
fresh vegetables being held in the hands of a lady standing in farm field
18 Nov 2024

LAGs learn from producer organisations' best practices

Local Action Group representatives attended the EU CAP Network’s 4th meeting of the Forum on Best Practices in the Agri-Food Supply Chain to network with stakeholders involved in local food systems.

  • CAP Implementation

Upcoming LEADER events