ELARD is a European association which gathers and represents nearly 2,800 Local Action Groups from 29 countries, including neighbouring countries of the European Union that have adopted and are implementing the LEADER methodology of local development by local actors.

The organisation is actively working to make the LEADER approach better known among European decision-makers in order to guarantee its existence and funding in the European rural development policy. The association supports local development led by local actors (through the networking of private and public actors, the dissemination of good practices, support for innovative actions, European cooperation, etc.) and defends the interests of Local Action Groups among national governments and European institutions.

ELARD’s General Assembly will take place on 13 and 14 March 2023 in Strasbourg, using the Parliamentary week as an opportunity to gather stakeholders. We would like to organise a time for discussion between the representatives of the LEADER networks from all Member States and the Members of the European Parliament on 13 March (Monday) from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the European Parliament. This meeting will allow for a conversation on the implementation of the LEADER approach in the 2023-2027 programming period and more generally on the place of rural development within European policies.

You can find here the invitation.