From theory to action: EU LEADER approach in non-EU countries

FAO is organizing a technical workshop on 3-4 June 2026 in Tartu, Estonia to build an understanding of the role of the European Union’s (EU) LEADER approach and its application in the context of sustainable transformation of local food systems based on country experiences and challenges.

The workshop will also facilitate discussions on ensuring the sustainability of the approach given the national policy frameworks, and balancing EU requirements with the local context and capacities, so that the introduction and implementation of the LEADER approach and programme instrument yields results similar to those achieved in the EU member states.

Participants will include representatives of governments, of Local Action Groups, and international organizations involved in the introduction of the LEADER approach or working on local rural development and community development. The workshop is also open to participants from national and international networks working on LEADER and rural development, representatives of academia, and civil society organizations.  

The workshop will cover the following sessions and discussions:

• Explore how LEADER contributes to the shift towards sustainable agrifood systems.
• Showcase country experiences on the introduction and implementation of the LEADER approach in non-EU countries, discuss the challenges and the level of progress.
• Examine the lessons learned by the EU member states on the introduction and implementation of the LEADER.
• Discuss country needs and policy options for supporting the development of rural communities in the region.
• Contribute to the establishment of new partnerships between governments, international organizations, donors, civil society, academia and private sector with an interest in local rural development.
• Field visit to the territory of the Tartu Local Action Group, where specific project experiences will be introduced and discussed.

The event will be held in English. 

Applications for participation in the workshop – on a self-funded basis – are welcome and can be submitted by 26 April 2026.

Background

Numerous development constraints and problems faced by rural communities, including rural youth, smallholders and family farmers, require integrated and cross-sectoral approaches combining top-down and bottom-up interventions. Such approaches facilitate dialogue and help to build consensus among diverse interest groups within and beyond the community, helping to identify and agree on effective solutions to the complex, interconnected challenges facing rural areas.

In Europe and Central Asia, for almost two decades, based on territorial approaches to development, FAO has supported different local rural development initiatives and projects applying an integrated community development approach. During the recent years, as part of the EU neighbourhood or pre-accession programmes, the EU’s LEADER approach to local rural development has become relevant in a number of FAO programme countries.

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