A special report published this month by the ECA considers that there is a lack of evidence to suggest that the benefits of the LEADER approach outweigh the costs and risks involved.
Auditors examined the LEADER approach and compared findings against a previous ECA assessment in 2010. Improvements have been identified in some areas and the report confirms that the LEADER methodology can facilitate local engagement in community development. However, the report does not provide significant evidence that LEADER’s benefits are sufficiently demonstrated and recommend a comprehensive cost benefit analysis of the approach. For more details, see the full report and replies from the European Commission.
