1. Jela Tvrdonova, 2010

2. The EU priorities:  Use the Leader approach for introducing innovation in the thematic axis  better governance at the local level  endogenous development (local resources for growth and jobs)

3. governance tool endogenous development tool innovation tool territorial tool integration tool

4.  A mode of governance characterized by the combined application of the 7 LEADER features for the elaboration and implementation of local development strategies

5.  Innovation  Area –based approach  Bottom-up  Partnership  Networking  Cooperation  Multi-sectorial integration

6. Experience with Leader  Decentralised management and financing and local partnerships need more investments in the early phase (resources for capacity building, negotiation time, organisation development)  Accelerated programme delivery in later phases due to enhanced local capital, local ownership.

7.  The various policy options  wider thematic and geographical scope of application  Application to the 3 axis  Geographical application (application on a wider scale for certain MS only)

8.  Possible exclusion of measures  implementation of measures (e.g. territorial measures)  measures will have to be chosen out of the European ‘menu’ of measures.  Sub option A : measure implemented exclusively with the Leader method  Sub option B :measure implemented in addition to the top down method

9. a) Implementing local development strategies to achieve the objectives of one or more of the 3 axis b) Cooperation c) Running the local action group, acquisition of skills and animating the territory

10.  Leader axis budget :  At least 5 % of total EARDF contribution in the old MS  At least 2,5% in the new MS.  Romania and Bulgaria (2,5% applying to 2010-2013)  Budget of Leader axis will be split into 3 axis to calculate the contribution for each axis.

11.  80 % of public expenditure in regions covered by the convergence objective  55 % of public expenditure in other regions

12.  Acquisition of skills for new Lags or existing Lags  Selection of local developemnt strategy  Contractualization with Lags  Implementation of local development strategy

13.  promotional events and the training of leaders  the training of staff involved in the preparation and implementation of a local development strategy;  studies of the area concerned (territorial diagnostic, development strategy)  measures to provide information about the area and the local development strategy;

14.  Opened selection procedure ensuring competition between Lags No later than 2 years after approval of programs  Additional calls if opened to new areas  Content of the programme  procedure and timetable for selecting the local action groups,  including objective selection criteria  planned maximum number of LAGs  planned percentage of rural territories covered by local development strategies  justification for selection of areas whose population falls outside the limits set out in Article 36(3) of this Regulation,  Detailed selection criteria approved later after consultation of the Monitoring Committee

15.  Partnership related criteria  Be responsible for strategy implementation  Representative of partners from the various locally based socio-economic sectors  At decision-making level representation of the economic and social actors and civil society (at least 50 % of the local partnership)  (e.g. Chambers of trade, agriculture, or SMEs, NGOs, rural women association)  Ability to define and implement a development strategy;  Ability to administer public funds

16.  Strategy related criteria  integrated local development strategy  Territory related criteria  Coherent area and critical mass to support a viable development strategy

17.  procedure for the selection of operations by the local action groups, and description of the financial circuits applicable for local action groups shall be described in the programme.  Bottom up principle to respect : Individual projects/operations selected by local action groups (assessment of project relevance towards the local strategy)  Eligibility checks (legal control) made by the Managing Authority in the majority of MS

18.  Payment to the final beneficiary (e.g. commune or local enterprise)  by the Paying Agency, or  by the LAG  After payment the LAG can ask the reimbursement of EU contribution to the Paying Agency  LAG Financial management should respect conditions approved with Paying Agency  Paying Agency having paid the EU contribution to the LAG should ensure that all eligibility rules and conditions have been respected,

19.  Inter-territorial cooperation  Transnational cooperation  Within EU  With rural territories in third countries

20.  Eligible costs : project development and implementation of a joint action including coordination costs for all areas  Role of Lead LAG  At least one partner selected under the Leader Axis

21.  Can be integrated in local development strategy  Advantages : coherent with the bottom up approach; quicker procedure since local action groups select the projects (Art.62.4); cooperation is coherent with the strategy  If not integrated in local strategy, authorization by the managing authorities (submission possible until 31.12.2003)  Advantages : better control on the respect of requirements (e.g. presence of a common action)  Coordination mechanism at EU level

22.  Procedure (LAG or MA selection)  Timetable  and objective criteria to select inter-territorial and trans-national cooperation projects.

23. 1. Introduction 2. Defining a strategy for rural areas using the Leader approach 3. Designing the content of Leader Axis in the programme: Planning and resources 4. The selection of the local action groups 5. How will the administrative, management and financial circuits be organised?

24. 1. Objective : to assist Member States in the conception and administrative implementation of the Leader axis using past and current experience with the Leader + Community Initiative and Leader+ type measure 2. LAG internal structure and management not covered 3. Non binding instrument 4. Complementary to the Leader Axis fiche 5. Cooperation guide to be presented later

25. 1. Selection of operations according to the bottom up principle 2. Possible use of global grant at LAG level with financial autonomy 3. Good practices : concentration of public funds, advances to LAGs