LEADER+ in the EU

On 14 April 2000 the Commission approved guidelines addressed to the Member States for the new Community Initiative for rural development, LEADER+, one of the four Community Initiatives implemented under the Structural Funds for the period 2000-2006.

The four Initiatives will receive an allocation of 5.35% of the Structural Fund credits for the period 2000-2006. The total Community contribution to LEADER+ in this period will be EUR 2020 million, financed by the EAGGF-Guidance Section.

As its name implies, LEADER+ is not a simple continuation of previous LEADER initiatives but is a more ambitious programme which aims to encourage and support high quality and ambitious integrated strategies for local rural development. It will also put a strong emphasis on co-operation and networking between rural areas. All rural areas of the EU are, in principle, eligible under LEADER+.