" The importance of the LEADER method in the context of local development strategy is recognised all over Europe, and there are many examples under the LEADER approach that show how local development strategies can be developed with LEADER funding and how they may continue to have a positive impact into the next programming period 2007-2013.

Having experienced three programming periods, the LEADER initiative has reached a level of maturity enabling rural areas to implement the LEADER approach more widely in mainstream rural development programming. The mainstreaming of LEADER in the next programming period is crucial for maintaining the skills which have been acquired during the three previous consecutive LEADER initiatives, particularly those which relate to forging local partnerships, public and private partnerships, cooperation and innovation, and improving local governance. I really believe that only if LAGs have a certain critical mass of activity and sufficient autonomy, and if funding can devolve to the local level, their actions can be more integrated and 'joined up' and local people and organisations can enjoy a real say in how all activities and expenditure in pillar two of the Common Agricultural Policy should be prioritised.

In this respect, it is important that all actors involved in the implementation of Axis 4 LEADER of the new programme take this legacy into account, in order to contribute to a region's ability to derive sustainable benefit from its natural and cultural heritage.

LEADER experience behind it, ELARD is well placed to assist in the transfer of know-how and expertise in rural development and networking to the new and pre-accession member states. ELARD is hoping that its efforts will have the support and encouragement of all those people who believe that LEADER is not simply another EU programme, but a solution to the problems of rural areas in Europe."

Panagiotis Patras, Greek LEADER Network