LEADER is a European rural development subsidy program for 2023-2027.
Funded by European, Flemish, and provincial authorities, coordinated by Vlaamse Landmaatschappij (VLM).
Aims to empower local rural communities to address local needs through innovative projects.
Covers 15 designated LEADER areas in Flanders.
Supports projects aligned with sustainable agriculture, vibrant villages, and biodiversity.
Recurring calls organized annually or biannually per LEADER area.
Local governments, non-profits, associations, companies (including social cooperatives), foundations, and individuals.
Eligibility varies by LEADER area; cooperation among partners is essential.
Projects must be implemented within the designated LEADER areas.
Public-private partnerships (Local Action Groups) play a key role in project evaluation.
Innovative and sustainable local agriculture and biomass valorization.
Liveable and vibrant villages.
Biodiversity and landscape quality.
Must adhere to LEADER principles: bottom-up, innovation, multisectoral, integrated, area-based, network, cooperation.
Projects can be microprojects (<€12,000) or regular projects (>€12,000) depending on area.
Detailed project fiche with indicators, budget, and planning required.
Infrastructure projects undergo spatial quality assessment (e.g., Provincial Quality Chamber).
Local Action Groups provide feedback and evaluation.
Maximum subsidy rate is 65% of eligible costs; some areas may have lower rates.
Eligible costs must be incurred by project promoters and co-promoters.
Co-financing required to cover remaining costs.
Mandatory biannual financial declarations.
Use of standardized templates for personnel costs and public procurement.
Deadlines vary by LEADER area and call; e.g., May 26, 2025 for project idea submission in East Flanders.
Full project submission deadline e.g., October 17, 2025.
Projects typically run 1-3 years (e.g., Jan 2026 to June 2028).
Step 1: Mandatory project idea submission and feedback.
Step 2: Full project proposal submission via E-Loket.
Step 3: Selection and project start upon approval.
Projects must comply with EU and Flemish rural development regulations.
Infrastructure projects require spatial quality permits.
Communication obligations and ethical standards apply.
Applications submitted online via E-Loket.
Evaluation based on alignment with LEADER principles and local strategies.
Feedback provided within 14 days after idea submission.
Guidance available from LEADER secretariat and area coordinators.
Supporting documents and templates provided.
Strong emphasis on local bottom-up initiatives and public-private partnerships.
Innovation and cooperation are key competitive factors.
Cross-cutting themes include sustainability and biodiversity.
Recipients include local governments, NGOs, cooperatives, and individuals.
Funding sizes vary; microprojects and regular projects are common.
Focus sectors are rural development, agriculture, and environment.