What is LEADER

LEADER - Strengthening rural regions in Europe

LEADER stands for active participation, a strong European network of regions and targeted support for rural development. Local people play a central role: they actively shape innovative projects in areas such as the economy, the environment, tourism and social infrastructure.

What's special about LEADER? Local action groups (LAGs) decide for themselves which projects receive fundingto strengthen their region in a targeted manner. This results in creative solutions, new collaborations and strong networks that make rural areas liveable and economically viable for the future.

LEADER fact box for Austria

• LEADER fact box Austria - figures & impact:
• 83 LEADER regions are actively shaping the future of rural areas in Austria. In the current, abridged 5-year programme period (2023-2027) stand for it around 250 million euros in public funds. (Normally, a programme period extends over 7 years, based on the EU's Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the current MFF has been shortened to 5 years. Negotiations for the next MFF (2028-2034) will begin in 2025).
• Citizen participation as a basic principle: Each LEADER region is characterised by a Local Action Group (LAG) controlled. This is made up of At least 51 % from civil society representatives together, while Maximum 49 % to political representatives are cancelled. Their work is supported by a professional LAG management with 2 to 5 employeesAustria-wide over 200 qualified jobs in rural regions.
• Investments that strengthen rural areas: Round 5,000 LEADER projects are implemented by municipalities, private initiatives and companies. In total, this means that around 400 million euros in sustainable regional development. (For the period 2023-2027, 210 million euros in public LEADER funds are available in Austria, 62 % financed by the EU, 19 % by the federal government and 19 % by the federal states. Private co-financing is estimated at 40-50 % of the total investment).
• Broad-based commitment: In committees such as boards, project selection committees and working groups, the following people are involved Around 3,000 volunteers from municipalities, companies and civil society. Together with project organisers and employees, a total of Around 10,000 people active involved in shaping rural areas.
• A strong European dimension: LEADER is a central pillar of EU regional development. Around 3,300 Local Action Groups (LAGs) cover 61 % of the rural population in the EU from (as of 2018, EU-28).
• Wide range of financing options: LEADER is largely realised by EU funding from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) supplemented by national and regional funds. In addition, there are LAGs that are also supported by other EU funds, such as the ERDF (urban development and neighbourhood management), the ESF (Social Fund) or the EMFAF (Fund for Marine, Fisheries and Aquaculture Regions)

The three roles of LEADER

1. funding advice centre - trailblazer for regional projects

LEADER supports regional stakeholders in evaluating ideas and projects quickly and efficiently - always in line with the local development strategy. This includes comprehensive funding advice and support for approved projects during implementation and billing.

The Local Action Group (LAG) decides independently on LEADER-relevant projects. Professional LAG management, consisting of at least two people with an office in the region, ensures that projects receive targeted support and are successfully realised.

2. network centre - connection point for cooperation and innovation

A LAG actively promotes the development of regional and transnational networks in which economic and personal relationships are intertwined. The following applies here: social capital strengthens economic capital.

Key players with specific expertise or strategic positions within the region help to maximise the impact and dissemination of LEADER projects. At the same time, the LAG acts as a regional network node - it represents regional projects at EU, federal and state level, provides strategic information and acts as an innovation platform.

Its services include methodological advice, organisational support, the initiation of collaborations and the procurement of public funding for the implementation of projects.

3. socially innovative company - LAG as an active creator

In addition to pure funding advice, a LAG can also become entrepreneurially active itself - especially in strategically important areas where there is a lack of suitable project managers.

As a driver of innovation, the LAG develops its own projects and promotes transnational cooperation within the European network. It takes on the pre-financing, looks for co-financiers, manages content and budget and is responsible for implementation.

In order to successfully organise transformation processes in the region, the LAG focuses on innovation and participation processes. This includes competences such as creativity techniques, moderation and communication strategies - all with the aim of solving regional challenges and initiating sustainable developments.