Challenges of CLLD Implementation in the Czech Republic ELARD Conference,Tartu 22.11.2016 Ing. Radim Srsen, Ph.D., National Network of LAGs of the Czech Republic www.nsmascr.cz

State of Play of CLLD in the Czech Republic Multi-funded CLLD using 3 funds ERDF – 475 000 EUR – 175 LAGs EAFRD – 205 000 EUR – 175 LAGs ESF – 85 000 EUR – 150 LAGs LAGs engaged in 5 operational programmes Interated Regional Operational Programme Rural Development Programme OP Empoyment OP Environment OP Science, Innovation and Education www.nsmascr.cz

Main problems and challenges Principles of interventions different in rural and urban areas – DG Regio still does not understand this difference and forces the Regional Operational Programme priority axis CLLD to the same logic (priorities and principles) as all the other axes – tematic concentration, indicators, selection of projets etc. – no space for CLLD Strategies at all, LAGs cannot support types of interventions they wish to Coordination and communication between DGs and MAs Length of strategies=350 pages(180LAGs!)–the requirements (length, structure etc.) should have been better defined in the beginning – now delays in evaluation and approval Too complicated implementation structure Poor support of NGOs through LEADER/CLLD Cooperation and networking measures just through RDP www.nsmascr.cz

Evaluation and selection of the CLLD strategies www.nsmascr.cz

Evaluation and selection of the CLLD strategies www.nsmascr.cz

Learning Points and Good practices Process of approval of CLLD strategies should be simpler, their length limited and structure better defined Mainstreaming and principles of Regional Development (ERDF) cannot be applied to Rural Development Better coordination between MAs and DGs essential, 1 PA instead of 4 Pas „Critical mass“ allocation from each fund needed, otherwise no sense CLLD really used across funds with sufficient allocations Very good opportunities and flexibility through ESF Role of LAGs in the CR goes far beyond just LEADER/CLLD implementation LAGs as a basic stone of regional parnership Support of almost 100% of rural areas www.nsmascr.cz

Thanks for your attention! Ing. Radim Srsen, Ph.D. National Network of LAGs of the Czech Republic ELARD Vice-President email: radimbz@seznam.cz Tel.: +420 603 578141 www.nsmascr.cz