At the fourth meeting of the Subgroup, convened by the National Rural Network, the work on LEADER in the future Strategic Plan of the CAP and in the current Transitional Regulation of the Common Agricultural Policy was presented.

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1) LEADER ceases to be a measure and becomes part of the cooperation intervention, included in Article 71 of the Common Provisions Regulation, currently under negotiation and pending approval.

2) To ensure the continuity and support of LEADER in 2021 and 2022, the Transition Regulation was also presented, as well as the inclusion of the Next Generation funds, part of the Recovery and Resilience Facility . These funds represent complementary financing for this transition period, with more than 700 million euros for Spain, with a 100% co-financing rate and to be implemented before December 31, 2022.

3) Mandatory allocation of at least 5% of the EAFRD to LEADER and 30% to environment and climate , as well as the possibility of starting to finance preparatory actions for the future strategy.

4) Regarding EURI funds , the overall environmental contribution of the Rural Development Programme must be maintained, with at least 37% allocated to animal welfare measures, LEADER and operations beneficial to the environment and climate, and at least 55% allocated to investment measures, farm development, basic services and cooperation.

LEADER Studies

At the fourth meeting of the LEADER Subgroup, the two national networks – REDR and REDER – presented the conclusions of the studies they have signed within the framework of the agreements with MAPA.

REDER: The State Network for Rural Development presented the study, " Rural Development, LEADER Approach and Local Action Groups. Legal Analysis ", outlining the most relevant conclusions regarding the legal form of the groups, organizational aspects, the selection of Local Action Groups, the processing of aid, the responsibility of the groups and the legal relationship between the beneficiary and the contractors.

REDR: The Spanish Rural Development Network highlighted the results of the study on the structure of LEADER added value and the conclusions of the survey they launched at European level on the rural environment.

LEADER data

In the recent period, Local Action Groups have created more than 15,000 direct jobs and consolidated nearly 60,000 through support for more than 30,000 projects. Therefore, the LEADER methodology and participatory local development are fundamental elements in the revitalization and development of rural areas, thanks to the actions of the Groups and all the stakeholders involved in their proper functioning.

The permanent LEADER subgroup is established as a forum for continuing to work toward maintaining a vibrant and sustainable rural environment in the medium and long term, promoting the work of the Local Action Groups and the LEADER methodology as key pillars in the next programming period.

All of these projects, which are relevant to the definition of LEADER in the CAP Strategic Plan, will be available in the coming weeks on the National Rural Network website.