• The study shows the strengths and weaknesses of LEADER in Europe
• The main conclusion is that LEADER is very effective in developing socio-economic solutions at the local level, but needs some improvements.

LEADER has been an important component of rural development in the European Union since the 1990s. The LEADER approach involves delegating the planning initiative to local communities in each rural area. These communities, organised into Local Action Groups (LAGs) , develop and implement a local development strategy for that area, making use of their resources.

Last March, the European Commission (EC) published the "Study in support of the evaluation of the impact of LEADER on Balanced Territorial Development ," which compiles all the data on the design, implementation, and impact of LEADER in rural areas across the European Union. The study includes an analysis of EU countries' spending on LEADER, as well as surveys, interviews, local case studies, and more.

One of the most interesting findings is that, although LEADER only represents 7% of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) budget, it has proven highly effective in developing solutions to local economic and social development challenges and opportunities. And all of this is based on the methodology of Participatory Local Development , that is, from the bottom up.

LEADER weaknesses and strengths

To ensure LEADER's results in a wide variety of situations and local contexts, the evaluation highlights the importance of:

• The information
• Awareness
• And trust

However, although the study's conclusions are generally positive, certain areas for improvement are highlighted for the LEADER approach:

• Changes regarding knowledge sharing between the different levels of the LEADER governance system.
• Greater internal communication and clarity regarding the roles of who is who within LEADER.
• Simplification of procedures.
• Review of collaboration and participatory processes.
• New indicators to capture LEADER results in greater detail.

This publication – together with responses to the public consultation on the long-term vision for rural areas – will contribute to a comprehensive assessment of LEADER's impact on rural development, to be published by the end of 2022 .

Brief history of LEADER

LEADER was first introduced in 1991 as a community initiative of the European Union to involve local stakeholders in the future development of their rural areas. The approach was included in the 2007–2013 programming period as an integral part of the EU's rural development policy. In the current 2014–2022 programming period, LEADER is implemented by around 2,800 LAGs across Europe. These LAGs are composed of representatives of local public and private socioeconomic interests and cover more than 60% of the EU's rural population.