1. NGO Estonian LEADER Union Piret Leskova CEO of the Estonian LEADER Union

2. LEADER in Estonia There are 26 Local Action Groups (LAGs) in Estonia; 99% of Estonian rural area is covered with LEADER groups; LEADER programme in Estonia started in 2006; In period 2007-2013 LEADER measure supported 7400 projects in total sum of 86.28 million euro; The budget for period 2014-2020 is 90 million euro - 1.7 millions is allocated for preparing the LEADER strategies and 88.3 million euro for measure implementation; The researches have shown that LEADER program is well-implemented in Estonia.

3. Estonian LEADER Union is a non-profit organization whose main mission is to protect the rights and interests of Estonian LAG´s; Estonian LEADER Union was established in March 2012; Only LEADER Action Groups can be the members of Estonian Leader Union; Estonian LEADER Union supports its’ members in applying LEADER principles and developing cooperation; Estonian LEADER Union was established to protect the LEADER principles from internal over-regulations.

4. With European LEADER Association for Rural Development (ELARD, www.elard.eu); www.elard.eu Ms Kristiina Timmo, the representative of Estonian Leader Action Groups in ELARD; Estonia has the opportunity to be the presidency of ELARD in 2016-2017, our candidate is Kristiina Timmo; The decision of General Assembly will be in November 2015; Estonian LEADER Union supports and assists presidency years. The union international co-operation (1)

5. Estonian-Finnish LEADER co-operation seminar of „Martin Markkinat“ in Helsinki together with the Village Movement of Finland/ Suomen Kylätoiminta Ry in November 2013; Cooperation with Croation Ministry of Agriculture to prepare the LDS Guidance; Cooperation with umbrella organization of Lithuanian local action groups, Turkish ministry delegation – exchange of experience; Cooperation with different internal networks and cooperation partners The union international co-operation (2)

6. Future challenges More effective protection of interests and cooperation for Leader action groups; To increase the quality of implementation of Leader measure; More effective internal and external cooperation – we can help you to find cooperation partners from Estonia; To introduce Estonian best practices to other Member States – you are very welcome to come to Estonia!

7. Thank you for your attention! Estonian LEADER Union www.leaderliit.eu info@leaderliit.eu +372 555 373 60