LEADER LAGs and EU Youth Programs: Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps

In rural areas across Europe, LEADER Local Action Groups (LAGs) play a crucial role in fostering local development, engaging communities, and creating opportunities for youth. To further support and inspire LAGs in utilizing European funding programs, the webinar will focus on the practical implementation of Erasmus+ (E+) and the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) in local development initiatives to create opportunities for rural youth.

The webinar aim to inspire and connect LAGs by showcasing successful projects, sharing real-life experiences, and providing networking opportunities. Through presentations and interviews with organizations that have successfully implemented E+ and ESC projects, participants will gain valuable insights into the impact of these programs on rural youth, community engagement, and cross-border cooperation (aim no.1). Additionally, the webinar will serve as a networking platform, allowing participants to exchange experiences, discuss challenges, and explore potential collaborations (aim no.2). 

With the support of the CAP Network, this initiative also highlights the importance of youth participation in LEADER and CLLD (Community-Led Local Development) strategies. By bringing together practitioners, experts, and newcomers to these funding programs, the webinar will contribute to strengthening rural youth engagement and supporting LAGs in creating meaningful opportunities for young people in their communities.

Further, the participants will be invited to join the online platform Howspace, were space will be provided for continued discussions and knowledge-sharing beyond the event itself, ensuring that the connections and ideas sparked during the webinars lead to long-term cooperation.

We invite you to join us, learn from real experiences, share your own insights, and build lasting connections that will support the future of rural youth engagement and development!

The webinar is designed for the following target groups of participants:

- LEADER LAG Representatives – Project managers, coordinators, and board members looking for inspiration and practical guidance on using E+ and ESC for youth engagement.

- Rural Development Practitioners – Individuals working in local or regional development who want to integrate youth-focused European projects into their activities.

- Youth Workers & Community Leaders – Those who collaborate with young people in rural areas and seek new funding possibilities for youth participation and volunteering projects.

- Municipality & Regional Government Representatives – Policymakers and public sector professionals responsible for youth policies, community-led local development (CLLD), and cross-sector cooperation.

Program of the Webinar:

13:00 Welcome & Opening Remarks

13:15 Inspiration Session: Best Practices from LEADER LAGs and Q&A.

14:15 Where to find information about Erasmus+ & ESC Funding, short introduction Howspace platform

14:30 BREAK (and opportunity to explore Howspace)

15:00 Networking in small groups: Finding partners for future projects, brainstorming potential E+ or ESC project ideas for LAGs, Exchange of resources and collaboration opportunities.

16:00 Wrap-up & Next Steps, future opportunities

16:30 End of the webinar.