Locally important EU decisions are made in your Leader group
In June, new representatives to the European Parliament will be elected, but did you know that local EU decision-makers can also be found in almost every municipality? About a thousand active decision-makers serve on the boards of Finland's 53 Leader groups, who choose projects that develop their region. Leader activity is a local development tool that brings EU rural funding decision-making close to all of us.
The members of the board represent their region, and the local public administration, local companies and associations, and residents of the region are equally represented in the board. Boards have a versatile perspective with a wide age range, in 2023 the board members of Leader groups were between 16 and 78 years old.
"The principle of Leader activity is that the residents and operators of the area implement projects based on their own ideas and apply for funding for them. Decisions about the projects financed by Leader groups are made by local people, who are the best experts in their home region", says the special expert of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and leader in charge of Leader Laura Jänis.
The scale of the operation is illustrated by the fact that about 230 million euros of EU rural funding is available through the Leader associations in the years 2023-2027. Through the Leader groups, funding is directed to the development and investments of communities and companies. Business financing promotes investments, business operations and employment. Among other things, the projects improve hobby opportunities, community spirit and the state of the environment. Everyone benefits from EU rural funding!
Leader brings the EU closer to all of us also through international projects and actors. Europe's 3,000 Leader groups form a broad network of local actors.
Europe Day is celebrated on May 9, with the aim of reminding of the importance of EU rural funding and local decision-making in granting funding. Let's celebrate local EU decision-makers and cross-border cooperation on Europe Day, May 9!
Ps. The European elections will be held on June 9, 2024. Remember to vote!
Information is also available From Maaseutu.fi.