The LEADER Subgroup is presented as a permanent forum for dialogue and the exchange of opinions among all stakeholders, advocating for a bottom-up approach , identifying the real needs of rural areas, and serving as a bridge between the local government and the authorities. This second meeting follows on from the first meeting held in July 2019 and sought to delve deeper into the needs perceived by those attending the meeting when implementing LEADER. Isabel Bombal, Director General of Rural Development, Innovation, and Forestry Policy, opened the debate by encouraging active participation from all attendees, as the information gathered will contribute to the initial analysis for Specific Objective 8 of the post-20 CAP Strategic Plan.

During the meeting, different LEADER implementation models were compared during the 2014-2020 programming period, from the perspective of both the Managing Authorities and the Local Action Group Networks. The first block featured María Arbeloa, from the Department of Rural Development, Environment and Administration of the Government of Navarre, and Soraya Corroto, from the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Development of Castilla-La Mancha. They presented, among other things, data on the implementation of Measure 19 in their respective regions, the specific features associated with cooperation, and the difficulties in implementing the software application during this period.

After a brief break, the presentations continued from the two national networks ( the State Network for Rural Development and the Spanish Network for Rural Development ), as well as from the Association for Rural Development of Andalusia ( ARA ) and the Extremadura Rural Development Network ( REDEX ). The national networks highlighted the role of LEADER in rural areas, the obstacles it faces, and made some proposals for the future. The regional networks presented their activities and outlined the status and idiosyncrasies of LEADER in their regions. Some of the challenges facing Local Action Groups include the need for legal definition, the proper implementation of their own projects, and the diversity of models and interpretations in procedures.

The final part of the meeting focused on the content and status of the negotiations for the Common Provisions Regulation (CPR) for the period 2021-2027, led by María José Muñoz of the Deputy Directorate General for Programming and Evaluation of the European Regional Development Fund at the Ministry of Finance.

The objective of this Subgroup is to maintain ongoing and constant dialogue to continue contributing to Local Development, promoting the work of Local Action Groups and the LEADER methodology to maintain a vibrant and sustainable rural environment in the medium and long term.