CoR: Programmes led by local action groups and communities must be reinforced and simplified

The Commission for Natural Resources (NAT) of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) discussed at its meeting on 27 November 2024 a draft opinion on “How post-27 LEADER and CLLD programming could contribute to better implementation of the long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas” (Rapporteur: Thibaut Guignar, Mayor of Plœuc-l’Hermitage).

In this opinion members call for reliable financial support for CLLD-LEADER community-led local development in all Member States after 2027, fed by contributions from European structural funds under a single regulatory framework, simplifying the implementation of territorial strategies. They also call on the Council, the European Parliament and Member States to take the initiative to simplify and consolidate the procedures for implementing and managing the LEADER programme. Finally, the opinion encourages greater recognition of LAGs and the participation of young people and women in decision-making bodies of LEADER projects.

The opinion (number: CDR-2569-2024) will be formally adopted during the February Plenary session of the CoR.

For the text of the draft opinion click below.