In six regions of Germany, aconium GmbH is supporting the creation of regional development strategies for the implementation of the European Union’s LEADER program. An overview of this important step in setting the course for structural support in rural areas
LEADER strategies for the promotion of structures in rural areas
As part of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), all member states are developing a National Strategic Plan for the funding period from 2023. In addition to the area of direct payments in agriculture, the first pillar of the CAP, this also includes the second pillar of the EAFRD fund, in which holistic approaches are implemented to promote rural areas and also beyond the promotion of agricultural production.
The LEADER Community Initiative (acronym for “Liaison entre actions de développement de l’économie rurale”) is also located in this area. Now that the current funding period for the program is coming to an end, regional development strategies are currently being developed in around 300 regions for the coming period from 2023 to 2027 or existing strategies are being aligned with the new strategic framework of the EU, the federal government and the federal states.
Bottom-up approach to regional development with LEADER
The supporting networks for the implementation of the LEADER program are the Local Action Groups (LAGs). These are made up of a broad, regional alliance of municipal elected representatives, economic and social partners, actors from associations, from the fields of culture and education or committed private individuals. With the LEADER strategies to be developed by the LAGs, they respond to region-specific needs and development potential.
The LAGs are therefore directly or “locally” involved in the implementation of the LEADER program – and make decisions on the basis of their LEADER strategies to promote local projects in their action area. On the basis of the LEADER strategies, these are recognized as such (LEADER regions) by the federal states. The central structural feature is above all their rural character. This means that conurbations – often even the centers of small towns – are not part of the funding framework.
aconium involved in strategy development in six regions
Whether to create vibrant villages, to maintain cultural heritage or to support small regional producers – the objectives of LEADER funding are as diverse as the regions, their stakeholders and the ideas for shaping rural areas for the future:
- Flechtinger Höhenzug and Drömling: The LAG in the Börde region (Saxony-Anhalt) focuses on cultural heritage, the preservation of natural areas and holistic settlement development.
- Havelland: The LAG Havelland (Brandenburg) aims to reduce structural differences between the structurally stronger and structurally weaker parts of the region. Regional identity, culture and support for voluntary work are central themes that the LAG is dedicated to in its strategy.
- Kassel-Land: The development of a common identity of and for the region, as well as the strengthening of the region’s typical natural and cultural landscapes and economic structures are aspects of the strategic priorities currently being developed by the LAG Kassel-Land (Hesse).
- Ostprignitz-Ruppin: How citizens can benefit from the energy transition is one of the priorities that the LAG Ostprignitz-Ruppin (Brandenburg) is focusing on in its regional development strategy. Involving young people in local development processes is another key objective of the new strategy.
- Spree-Neiße-Land: In its regional development strategy, the LAG Spree-Neiße Land is looking for answers to coping with demographic change and shaping structural change in a sustainable way following the imminent phase-out of lignite mining.
- Western Altmark: Active tourism and the development of sustainable places are one of the first topics discussed by the LAG in the Western Altmark (Saxony-Anhalt) in its strategy.
Strategies until the summer break
In the regions mentioned, aconium GmbH is currently tasked with supporting the LAGs in drawing up their development strategies for the LEADER funding period 2023-27. Most of the LEADER strategies in the regions should be submitted by the summer.
aconium moderates the entire development process of the strategies in all regions – from the conception to their editorial creation. The process support includes taking stock of the development needs and potential, strategic consulting and the conceptual and practical implementation of the participation processes.
An overview of these and other projects in the field of regional development can be found here.