The approval of 50 local LEADER programs for the 2023-2027 period, with a total budget of €236 million, was announced by the Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Kostas Tsiaras.
The aim, according to Mr. Tsiaras, is to launch new calls for proposals from local action groups as soon as possible.
The process will be simplified and digitized to make it easier for entrepreneurs, development companies, and other stakeholders to participate.
“It is a particularly powerful tool for effectively supporting local communities without exclusions, encouraging innovation, addressing farmers' problems, and strengthening social cohesion in rural areas,” Mr. Tsiaras said.
The Minister emphasized that LEADER programs are prime examples of successful "bottom-up" development policies for rural Greece, where development strategies are shaped and implemented by local communities.
According to the ministry's statement, these policies promote both growth and employment, as they are designed by the communities themselves, who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of their regions. This allows them to create new opportunities, generate jobs, and reduce inequalities, ultimately helping to retain young people in rural areas.
Highlighting successful initiatives, Mr. Tsiaras mentioned the "Karditsa Development Company" (AN.KA) as a model of success. He pledged to remain actively involved throughout the program's implementation.
“We are closely monitoring the progress of these programs, working together to build a better future for our region and our fellow citizens. We are committed to making full use of the EU's financial tools and the development potential of our region,” Mr. Tsiaras added.
During the presentation, the General Secretary of Union Resources and Infrastructure at the Ministry of Agricultural Development, Mr. Dimitris Papagiannidis, also announced that any additional funding requested for Thessaly will be approved to further support and restore the region.