ÖIR carried out an evaluation of the impact of LEADER on the territorial development of rural areas. in the EU-28 during the funding period 2014-2020. The study, commissioned by DG AGRI, provided an assessment of the mechanisms and ways in which LEADER successfully supports balanced territorial development and makes recommendations for improvements in the 2021-2027 funding period
The evaluation is based on a case study approach, online surveys with Local Action Groups (LAGs) and EAFRD Managing Authorities, a literature review and a quantitative analysis of funding data. In the 14 detailed case studies, 36 LAGs were examined more closely – based on interviews with LAG managers, beneficiaries, regional or national actors and experts, as well as a document analysis. ÖIR carried out the literature analysis, as well as the Swedish and Austrian case studies with in-depth analysis and evaluation of Tyrol and Lower Austria.
The study pays particular attention to the different implementation models of LEADER in the Member States, their effectiveness, efficiency, coherence, relevance and impact mechanisms. Interconnections with other funding instruments, for example via CLLD, as well as with other measures and instruments of the common agricultural policy, are also considered and analysed.
