The event offered a platform for networking and stimulated cooperation activity among key rural development actors, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry of Moldova (MAFI), the Agency for Agency for Intervention and Payments in Agriculture (AIPA), the National LEADER Network (NLN) and Moldovan LAGs. As such, the participants shared best practices and promoted successful initiatives implemented by LAGs, while also exploring innovative solutions for rural development. 

During the event, LAG members engaged in interactive thematic workshops, addressing issues related to the institutional development of LAGs and the multi-funding approach for the implementation of Local Development Strategies (LDSs). LAGs explored opportunities to diversify their partnerships and identify new funding sources through participation in various local and cross-border projects. At the same time, participants addressed the need for institutional development plans and digital instruments to ensure transparency and build the institutional memory of LAGs.  

The event offered an opportunity to share the main results of the LEADER Program, managed by MAFI and AIPA, which up till June 2023 has supported the implementation of 632 local projects, thus highlighting the key role of the LEADER approach in boosting community development, fostering economic opportunities and preserving the cultural heritage in rural areas.  

In this context, Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova announced about a new funding opportunity for 10 Moldovan LAGs, that will enable them to benefit from development support in value of 500,000 EUR to become role models of the LEADER approach in Moldova. This activity will be implemented within the Rural Development Fund 3.0., as part of the “EU4Moldova: Local Communities” programme. By harnessing LAGs potential and supporting their professionalization, Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova aims to create a favourable environment for LAGs to sustain their commitment and dedicated implication in LEADER and the development of local communities. 

To date, the LEADER approach in Moldova is implemented by 52 Local Action Groups covering 492 administrative-territorial units and 811 localities, which offer economic and social development opportunities for 1.14 people living in rural areas.  

The event was organized within the “EU4Moldova: Local Communities” programme, financed by the European Union, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland – Polish aid; and jointly implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and the Solidarity Fund PL (SFPL) in Moldova.   

The content of this article belongs to the authors and does not necessarily reflect the vision of the above-mentioned partners.