In this programming period LAGs can potentially benefit from funds other than the EAFRD, but not in a coordinated way. The common approach for all policies as set out in the legal proposal of the Commission for 2014-2020 provides a support framework for Community-led Local Development, (CLLD), which enables Member States and LAGs to coordinate the integrated use of all CSF (Common Strategic Framework) funds. Programming carefully CLLD can support improved strategic choices at national and local level regarding local development as well as reinforcing multi-level governance.

To assist in this process, the ENRD organised a workshop on Community-led Local Development in Brussels on the 1 June 2012.

Objectives and Brief Summary

The objectives of the workshop were to exchange information and ideas for the future programming period and to identify the needs of stakeholders in this context and the possible role of networks in the preparatory phase.

The morning session of the workshop provided participants with the main information about CLLD. The perspectives of DG AGRI, REGIO EMPL and MARE were presented, in particular the potential of CLLD to contribute to the EU 2020 objectives, the main principles of its implementation across EU funds and first thoughts about the implications and the opportunities that such a method offers.

The afternoon three parallel sessions focused on how to better prepare for programming CLLD, from the MAs/NRNs and LAGs perspectives, and how to measure the performance and added value of CLLD.

Programme: [PDF ]

Video on 7 LEADER principles

CLLD – the method, contribution to policy objectives and principles of implementation across EU funds (in view of possible multi-funded LDS)

• The Common CLLD approach - by Josefine Loriz-Hoffmann, DG AGRI, [PDF ]
• How the ESF and ERDF envisage to implement CLLD - by Merja Haapakka, Matthieu Lefevre, DG REGIO/EMPL, [PDF ]
• How the EMFF envisages to implement CLLD - by Christine Falter, DG MARE [PDF ]
• Next steps [PDF ]

Workshop sessions

Session 1: How to better prepare for programming CLLD?

• Danish example on LAG/FLAG combined strategies, by Rita Munk, DK Managing Authority, [PDF ]
• Common practical LDS planning guidance, by Géza Gelencsér, HU LAG, [PDF ]

Session 2: How to better prepare as LAG for future CLLD?

• Evolution of A CLLD Practice utilising the LEADER Approach, by Ryan Howard, IE LAG [PDF ]
• Experiences across two EU funds, LAG/FLAG Danish example, by Trine Testmann, DK LAG/FLAG [PDF ]

Session 3: How to measure the performance and added value of CLLD?

• Overview of the overall programme architecture and CLLD in 2014-2020, by Christophe Derzelle, DG AGRI [PDF ]
• RD Focus areas [PDF ]

Representatives from Managing Authorities, National Rural Networks, rural development organisations, Local Action Groups and other stakeholders were engaged in discussions and exchange of ideas on how to programme, monitor and evaluate the Community-led Local Development (CLLD) approach. The discussions undertaken in three parallel sessions highlighted that:

• Within the integrated strategies, clear demarcation lines or complementary principles should be established between different EU funds operating under the Common Strategic framework (CSF) in terms of types of operations that can be funded by EAFRD and other funds. The CSF funds are: the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD); the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF); the European Social Fund (ESF); and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).
• The harmonisation of rules applying to these funds as well as a simple and clear legal financial framework are considered key conditions to implement multi-fund strategies. A special effort should be made to harmonise TNC rules among different MS from the beginning of the programming period.
• The cost-effectiveness of the new multi-fund/integrated approach, in terms of creation of new structures to run it and effective added value in the results of the policy, should be assessed to the extent possible.
• The inclusion of urban communities in planning the multi-fund strategies should increase synergies and more integrated approaches. The experience of rural actors and MAs with LEADER experience should not be forgotten, but fed into the planning of such strategies.
• Strong LAG capacity (local knowledge, administrative capacity, programming experience, etc.) becomes even more important in the multi-funding CLLD context. Making full use of the LAG Partnership members is an important and cost effective way of boosting capacity.
• The collection and analysis of examples of integrated approaches at European and national level is important to support the design and implementation of CLLD. Those areas which were not involved in the past in the implementation of LEADER would benefit from a wider dissemination of experiences as well as targeted support.
• The NRNs can and should play an important role in supporting the exchange of experiences and organising structured discussions with participation of different types of stakeholders.
• More dissemination of evaluation results is needed, in order to clarify and justify future LAG activities.

For further information on the outcomes of the discussion please download:

• Summary of the plenary discussion [PDF ]
• Summary of session 1: How to better prepare for programming CLLD [PDF ]
• Summary of session 2: How to prepare as a LAG for future CLLD [PDF ]
• Summary of session 3: How to measure the performance and added value of CLLD [PDF ]

For further information please contact info@enrd.eu.