The Greek LEADER+ Network (Network of Rural Development Organisations) is one of the mature national networks in the EU countries. Operating at national and international level, it was established within the framework of the LEADER+ Community Initiative (C.I.), specifically foreseen in Priority Axis 3, "Networking", with an implementation period of 2000-2008.

Currently, the Network consists of 40 Local Action Groups and 30 organisations that promote rural development covering the whole national area. Its strength relies on the firm decision of LAGs and Rural Development Organisations to cooperate and to achieve the overall upgrading of the parties involved in the rural development process.

Since October 2007, the Greek LEADER Network has been holding the presidency of ELARD.

Based on the efficient contribution to rural development cooperation among all LAGs at national level and the excellent cooperation with the Greek Ministry of Rural Development & Food a business plan was introduced and financed in order to develop European networking on the basis of ELARD's evolution.

Strategic guidelines of ELARD's Presidency are to induce a stronger organisational basis and boost even more European collaboration of Networks with particular focus on providing the necessary help and support - approaches, development philosophy, broad policy ideas, new technologies or management techniques - to the new enlargement countries on rural development implementation programmes.

More specifically, the aims of the Greek Presidency of ELARD set for the period 2007-2009 are:

• to strengthen the links among its existing members;
• to increase membership and incorporate new membership from other Member States of the EU, especially among the LAGs and the networks of the enlargement  countries, where the implementation of LEADER is still a new experience;
• to strengthen the institutional presence of ELARD at European level, by continuing the efforts made so far to become a permanent member of the Advisory Group on Rural Development of the European Commission;
• to become member of the European Network for Rural Development (ENRD) as foreseen in the new Rural Development regulation 1698/05, by participating in the Coordination Committee;
• to organise a pan-European conference on Rural Development in Brussels along with other active networks and organisations, under the auspices of the European Commission / DG AGRI;
• to establish a closer cooperation with other European Networks in rural areas;
• to establish and promote a permanent representation of ELARD in Brussels;
• to increase ELARD's visibility and awareness among relevant Institutions at an international level and national representations in Europe.