As part of the European Week of Regions and Cities, an insightful workshop will take place on Thursday, October 10, 2024, from 09:30 to 11:00 CET at the Jacques Delors building, JDE 62. This event promises to shed light on the transformative power of LEADER-CLLD and other EU financial initiatives in fostering sustainable growth and resilience in rural areas.
The workshop, titled “Unlocking Potential: LEADER & EU Financial Initiatives – Bridging Divides and Empowering Communities,” will gather distinguished speakers from various sectors, including academia, political leadership, and project management, to discuss the pivotal role of EU financial support in rural development. Among the notable participants is Dr. Maura Farrell, Associate Professor and FLIARA Project Coordinator from the University of Galway, who will bring her expertise on female-led innovation in agriculture and rural areas.
The European LEADER Association for Rural Development (ELARD), a partner of the FLIARA Project, underscores the importance of this event. The LEADER-CLLD (Community-Led Local Development) approach is a cornerstone of European rural development policy, known for its significant political influence and its impact on cohesion policy across rural regions. This workshop will explore the broad spectrum of EU financial initiatives and their role in promoting community sustainability, encouraging people to remain in their rural hometowns, and fostering local innovation and gender equality.
Distinguished Speakers and Topics
The workshop will feature a diverse panel of experts, including:
- Juha Halme, Doctorate from the University of Eastern Finland
- Radim Sršeň, Representative from the Ministry of Regional Development of the Czech Republic
- Giulia Testori, Project Manager at the European Commission’s DG Joint Research Centre
- Karine Gloanec-Maurin, Representative from the Centre-Val de Loire Region
- Maura Farrell, Representative from the University of Galway
- Petri Kahila, an influential figure in rural development
These key speakers will engage in discussions addressing themes such as gender equality in rural areas, innovative approaches to sustainable development, and the vital role of EU financial mechanisms in bridging divides and empowering local communities.
Event Highlights
- Date and Time: Thursday, 10 October 2024, 09:30 – 11:00 CET
- Location: Jacques Delors building, JDE 62, Brussels
- Format: CoR Political Workshop
- Theme: Smart and sustainable growth for regions
- Languages: The workshop will be conducted in English and French
This workshop represents a unique opportunity for participants to gain insights into the intersection of rural development policies, financial initiatives, and community empowerment. It is a must-attend for anyone invested in the future of rural Europe, from policymakers and researchers to community leaders and activists.
Join us to discover how EU financial initiatives are unlocking the potential of rural regions, fostering innovation, and ensuring that rural communities can thrive sustainably in the modern age. Register at: https://regions-and-cities.europa.eu/programme/2024/sessions/34950#close-modal