Leader

Locally led development through Leader means that you get involved in the development of your area and can receive support for your development projects. Leader is a method where the private, non-profit and public sectors work together to contribute to local development.

What is Leader?

Leader is a method for rural development that was introduced by the EU in 1991. The method focuses on local ownership, initiative and commitment. The idea is that development of your particular place is most effectively carried out by those of you who live and work there – by you, your association, local businesses and other organisations. You are the ones who know what needs and challenges need to be met.

Film – We are Leader Sweden

Local Development Sweden (LUS) has launched a film to spread knowledge and inspiration about Leader.
The film spreads knowledge about what a Leader project can be, but will also inspire interested rural residents to seek contact with Leader areas around Sweden. 

To Leader Sweden

What does Leader mean?

Leader is an abbreviation of the French phrase Liaison Entre Actions de Développement de l'Économie Rurale. That means Coordinated activities for rural economic development.

Financing

Leader support, which is distributed to various projects, comes from the EU (European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development), the Swedish state, municipalities and sometimes regions. During the period 2023–2027, there is a total of approximately SEK 1.7 billion to strengthen the competitiveness and development of Sweden's rural areas through Leader.

Who can apply for leader support?

Support can be sought by associations and companies as well as other organizations.

Project support can be applied for by organizations and associations. It is for projects with broad support that benefit many people or the general public.

Project support for companies is aimed at organizations and companies. This support should benefit one or a limited number of actors. It could, for example, involve developing a product or service.

Leader areas in Sweden

To ensure a local focus, the Leader method is operated in geographically defined areas, so-called Leader areas. To form a Leader area, local actors from the non-profit, private and public sectors must come together and work towards a development strategy. This should be based on the needs and conditions of the specific area. The strategy describes, for example, what needs to be done to increase employment, attract more new companies and make the area attractive and competitive.

The local development strategy forms the basis for the Leader area's budget, a budget decided by the Swedish Board of Agriculture. From the Leader area, residents and businesses in the area can apply for money to run projects. Projects that are granted support must contribute to achieving the goals in the development strategy. Each Leader project can thus be seen as a piece of the puzzle that, together with all other projects, contributes to fulfilling the area's goals and vision.

There are 40 leader areas in Sweden, and if you count them throughout the EU, there are over 3,500. All leader areas are their own associations and you can easily search for your area at leadersverige.se

Leader Sweden

Impact of some Leader projects that have been implemented in Sweden

Leader Grogrund
Feasibility study Viking village Österhus

The facility has great potential, but as a non-profit association, Österhus friends currently only have the capacity to run internal activities. The association would like to open up the activities for children and young people and therefore wants to conduct a feasibility study to clarify the conditions.

Astrid Lindgren's hometown
Development of the Välen bathing area

Välenbadets camping is granted support to develop the bathing area at Lake Välen into a pleasant, safe and accessible environment for both tourists and people living in the area.

Leader Bergslagen
Relationship food in public kitchens

The project makes the farming activities at Rikkenstorp farm accessible for preschools for educational purposes to increase knowledge and develop learning about food. Children, parents, and staff get to participate in the entire farming process and create a relationship with it.

Leader Sörmland Coast
Inclusive judo in Oxelösund

Oxelösund's judo club is developing the activities so that more can train judo

Leader Gute
Pre-study: 65+ loneliness and digital exclusion

Gotland's City Mission will, in collaboration with the target group 65+ in southern Gotland, analyze needs related to loneliness and digital exclusion. This is to be able to develop relevant, measurable, and long-term sustainable interventions.
Händer som knådar en deg

Leader Stockholm area
Bakery and catering

Mrs. Jenny's bakery and catering is located in Sorunda in Nynäshamn municipality. The demand for locally produced food and experience-based services is high and now the business will expand.
Vinter på Vårdkasen

Leader High Coast
Vårdkasen outdoor, an outdoor life for everyone

The project "Vårdkasen, an outdoor life for everyone" aims to create conditions for more companies, services and activities in the area by attracting more visitors.

Astrid Lindgren's hometown
Recreation center and outdoor environment in Frinnaryd

Frinnaryds community center association is committed to creating a safe and vibrant leisure environment for children and young people – and a pleasant outdoor environment for the entire community.

Leader's Seven Basic Principles

1) Bottom-up perspective

The ideas come from those of you who live and work in the area.

2) Local perspective

The ideas have local roots and take into account local strengths, opportunities, resources and challenges.

3) Three-way partnership

Actors from the public, private and non-profit sectors collaborate.

4) Local strategy

The initiative is in line with the local development strategy.

5) Network

The effort contributes to creating new networks.

6) Innovation

The initiative is new to the applicant or the area.

7) Collaboration

Several actors are collaborating to implement the initiative.