1. Jean-Michel Courades, DG AGRI Rural Development Advisory Group 18 December 2006 Rural Development Networking 2007-2013

2. Rural networking 2 Strong interaction between European and national networks  Collection and dissemination of data  National networks can provide expertise at EU level  EU network can identify networking best practices  Support to transnational cooperation

3. Rural networking 3 European Network for Rural Development (Art. 67)  To interface with the national networks and administrations  Roles include: –Collecting, analysing and disseminating information on RD measures; –Collecting, disseminating and consolidating at Community level good rural development practice; –Providing information on developments in rural areas in the EU and 3 rd countries; –Organise meetings and seminars on RD at Community level; –Setting up and running expert networks to facilitate exchange of expertise and support implementation and evaluation of RD policy; –Supporting the national networks and transnational co-operation initiatives.

4. Rural networking 4 EU network  All networks are developing general rural development activities and thematic activities  Learning from the experience of Leader Observatories (actors participating are implementing bodies and beneficiaries)

5. Rural networking 5 Common issues to consider at EU and national level  Management issues  How best to operate the national rural network? In- house (managing authority) versus out-sourcing (single or multiple contracts)  Sufficient resources, skills and expertise (animators), availability for exchange with EU Contact point  Start preparations early so network can support the programme from the outset and access the European network

6. Rural networking 6 Common issues to consider at EU and national level  Policy issues (priorities)  Mobilisation of stakeholders beyond the Leader actors (participation is only mandatory for Leader actors)  To avoid a segmentation of the Network into 4 sub-networks (to develop horizontal activities, create working groups on horizontal issues)

7. Rural networking 7 Recommendation for the common networking tools (Thematic Axis)  Project database based on the use of a common pilot project form (elaboration of list good and best practices)  Expert database

8. Rural networking 8 Recommendation for the common networking tools (Leader axis)  transnational project database  Local action groups database based on the use of a common LAG form  Transnational cooperation partnersearch tool