WHAT DOES LEADER MEAN?

L E A D E R means „Liaison Entre Actions de Développement de l‘Economie Rurale”, in English “Links between measures for the development of the rural economy”.

WHAT IS LEADER?

LEADER is the funding programme of the European Union to support the development of the rural economy regulated by law (EU) Nr. 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and Council. In Austria LEADER has been effectuated in the Programme for Rural Development in Austria 2014 – 2020 .

WHY LEADER?

LEADER’s designated target is to give advice and support to residents for further development of their particular region. Therefore, a future strategy has been developed for each LEADER region.

The development of the local future strategies was carried out by several regional panels including representatives of all actors and stakeholders from all participating regions. Any and all decisions necessary for the implementation of these regional development strategies are taken among the members of the so-called “regional parliament”, i.e. the managing committee of the LEADER action group. It is composed of stakeholders, municipals, entrepreneurs and farmers.

CURRENT LEADER FUNDING PERIOD 2014-2020

After three successful periods in Lower Austria (LEADER II 1995 – 1999, LEADER+ 2000 – 2006 and LEADER 2007 – 2013) LEADER has started a new funding period, lasting from 2014 until 2020.