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TNC Overview

Transnational Cooperation

Transnational and inter-territorial cooperation have become increasingly important for rural stakeholders in the European Union. Substantial experience has been gathered during LEADER II (1994-1999) and LEADER+ (2000-2006) to demonstrate that cooperation is an effective mechanism for helping EU rural areas to jointly develop new solutions to common issues (the added value of cooperation). In a nutshell, cooperation projects help all parts of rural Europe to grow together.

Various sources of complementary EU support are available for cooperation activity. These include aspects of the European Social Fund (ESF), the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Fisheries Fund (EFF). Other sources are also available and each TNC programme has its own set of priorities and procedures. For the purposes of this guide, the text will concentrate on information relevant to cooperation supported by RDPs using the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).

  • During the previous programming period, 464 Local Action Groups (LAGs) participated in a total of 383 TNC projects identified in the Leader+ Observatory Database.
  • On average each TNC project included partners from 4 different LAGs.
  • These TNC projects were linked to specific priority themes: ‘best use of natural and cultural resources’ (36%); ‘improving the quality of life in rural areas’ (26%); ‘use of new know-how and new technologies’ (21 %); and ‘adding value to local products (17%).
  • In the current programming period TNC projects will also be implemented by LAGs. LAG numbers are expected to increase significantly, up to 2300, and this expansion of LAG activity across rural Europe offers a far greater potential for cooperation partnerships than ever before.
Last update: 27/11/2012 | Top