Thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises are awaiting the Joint Ministerial Decision, which is expected to be signed within October, for participation in the LEADER/CLLD 2023-2027 programme. In the meantime, Development Companies have already started the procedures for forming the Programme Management Committees (PMCs).
The First Meeting of the Management Committee
Parnonas Development S.A. LDA held its first meeting in Leonidio, Arcadia, for the formation of the LEADER CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 PMC. This committee will be responsible for making decisions regarding the management and implementation of local programmes.
Budget and Investments
The LEADER 2023-2027 programme has a total budget of €236 million, which will be directed towards investments in the following sectors:
- Public local infrastructure
- Processing, crafts and cottage industry
Following the approval of the 50 local programmes, the official calls for proposals will follow. Each area (Community or Action Group) will specify its own Local Development Strategy, based on the general framework approved by the EU.
Sectors of Supported Investments
The support will be directed towards strategic sectors such as:
Processing of agricultural products
Tourism activities : Modernisation of accommodation businesses, as well as the establishment of new ones in mountainous areas and small islands
Catering and recreation : Establishment and modernisation of businesses in the sectors of catering, tourism and leisure
Cottage industries and handicrafts : Support for businesses for production after initial processing
Services to the local population
Businesses promoting energy and water saving
Bio-economy and circular economy
Education and Training
The programme also supports education and training actions for the local population, with an emphasis on basic digital skills and other issues arising from the local development strategy.
Networking and Cooperation
LEADER 2023-2027 places great emphasis on cooperation between local businesses and bodies in order to achieve common objectives:
- Cooperation between local businesses for the development of common products and working methods
- Cooperation between public and private bodies for upgrading the area at cultural, environmental and social level
- Smart Villages : Innovative development of rural areas through integrated strategies.
The LEADER/CLLD 2023-2027 programme is expected to offer significant opportunities for the development and upgrading of small and medium-sized enterprises and local communities throughout Greece.
