WHAT is LEADER? – leader.co.at

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.

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ASSIGNMENTS and AIMS during the current funding period

CREATION OF VALUE

Revitalization and empowerment of the regional competitive capacity – enhancement of the creation of value

Rural creation of value – overall economic

Agriculture

Craftsmanship and regional economy near the border

Tourism

NATURAL RESSOURCES

Preservation and improvement of the natural resources and the cultural heritage

Preservation and improvement of biodiversity

Support of energy efficiency measures

Acceleration of environmentally friendly tourism

Acceleration of knowledge transfer in the field of cultural heritage

Improvement of the usage and revitalization of lanes with wine cellars (Kellergassen) as well as further cultural assets

COMMON WEAL

Improving everybody’s wellbeing by increasing common weal

Quality of living: intergenerational, youth, health consciousness

Public services

Local amenities

Social services such as intergenerational offers

Lifelong learning

Public transport / mobility

Design and revitalization of town and village centres