European LEADER Association
for Rural Development – AISBL

Greek Presidency October 2007 – October 2009

The European LEADER Association for Rural Development (ELARD aisbl) is a non-profit association that was founded in 1999 and formed by the National LEADER Networks of different EU Member States. ELARD currently includes the co-operation of approximately 600 Local Action Groups (LAGs) that manage

the LEADER+ Community Initiative and/or national Programmes for Rural Development, as well as other programmes or initiatives not related directly with rural development (i.e. INTERREG, EQUAL, URBAN, etc.) aiming at supporting sustainable rural and regional development, experience sharing through its members and partners, networking and promoting cooperation among national networks.

ELARD being an Association is currently composed of 13 members from all over Europe. ELARD holds a position both in the Coordination Committee and the LEADER Sub-Committee of the European Network for Rural Development (ENRD) hence it acts as a representative of LEADER Local Action Groups and networks all over the EU. The above, alongside a ten year experience in networking and advocacy has equipped ELARD with all relevant and necessary expertise in the fields of communication and partnership building.