Name of the intervention:
Community-Led Local Development (LEADER/CLLD)
Name of support/project:
Support for LAG management
Brief description of the support/project:
Support for the management of LAG is intended for the co-financing of costs incurred in the management and operation of LAG, including monitoring and evaluation of the approved Local Development Strategy (SLR), animation of the LAG area and assistance to potential beneficiaries in developing project ideas and preparing projects.
Objectives and results of the support/project:
Community-led local development with the LEADER/CLLD approach aims to promote comprehensive and balanced development of local areas following a “bottom-up” approach with approved SLRs. Support within the implementation of the LEADER/CLLD approach from the EAFRD and ERDF funds is intended for the management, monitoring and evaluation of SLR and its animation.
Financial support for the management of LAS is granted from the European Union.
Key links:
LAG OF THE REGION OF OBSOTELJE AND KOZJANSKO 2021-2027
With the signing of the Local Partnership Agreement on 27 February 2023, the new Local Action Group LAG Obsotelje and Kozjansko for the programming period 2021-2027 was formed with a Constituent Assembly. It was founded by 38 members, representing public institutions, companies, institutions, associations, organisations and individuals from the municipalities of Kozje, Podčetrtek, Rogaška Slatina, Rogatec and Šmarje pri Jelšah.
The Sotla Development Agency, a trusted and experienced partner, will continue to lead the LAG Obsotelje in Kozjansko in the new programming period. This continuity ensures the ongoing promotion of integrated and balanced rural development.
In January 2024, we received a decision from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food (MAFF) approving the Local Development Strategy (LDS) of the LAG Obsotelje in Kozjansko for 2021-2027. This approval is a testament to the soundness and viability of our strategic direction.
The decision means that we are entitled to a total of up to EUR 1,953,503.18 for the co-financing of local development projects and the management of the LAG Obsotelje and Kozjansko in the area of our five municipalities (Šmarje pri Jelšah, Rogaška Slatina, Rogatec, Podčetrtek and Kozje), for the 2021-2027 programming period.
The funding will be drawn from two funds: up to a maximum of €965,344.55 from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and up to a maximum of €988,158.63 from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Sources of funding:
- Under the sub-measure “Support for the implementation of operations”, with an approved Local Development Strategy (LDS), we were entitled to benefit from a total of up to EUR 1,583,503.18 (co-financing of local development projects from the ESAF and EAFRD funds and support for cooperation activities between LAG).
- For the implementation of the measure “Support for the management, monitoring and evaluation of the strategy and its animation, including the facilitation of exchanges between stakeholders”, LAG Obsotelje in Kozjansko is eligible for a total of EUR 370.000,00 from both ESAF and EAFRD Funds.
With the legal-formal decision, we will be able to put the Local Development Strategy into practice and, as the lead partner of LAG Obsotelje and Kozjansko 2021-2027, start preparations for the preparation of public calls for projects to be co-financed.
Purpose of support:
The implementation of the approved SLR, the implementation of the SLR measures, and the operation of the LAG for the whole programming period 2021-2027.
Development objectives:
- Strengthening sustainable forms of agriculture, entrepreneurship and tourism in the LAG area;
- Development of social infrastructure and intergenerational/social services;
- Improving the protection and conservation of nature and biodiversity and reducing pollution.
Main activities to achieve the objectives of the SLR:
- preparation and publication of calls for proposals, verification of the legality of projects, determination of the amount of support, selection of projects and selection of other projects, together with the LAG authorities,
- animation of the area, provision of information to interested residents in the LAG area to provide information and promote the implementation of the SLR, promotion of the implementation of projects and assistance to potential beneficiaries in the preparation of projects,
- workshops to animate residents,
- preparation of promotional material,
- publishing articles in the media,
- submitting payment requests,
- evaluating the implementation of the SLR.
MAIN HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LAG OBSOTELJE IN KOZJAN SLR FOR THE PROGRAMMING PERIOD 2021-2027
Action |
Indicator | Warehouse | Indicator achieved at 31.12.2025 for EAFRD/31.12.2024 for ERDF | The target value for the indicator at 31.12.2029 |
| OBJECTIVE 1: Strengthening sustainable forms of agriculture, entrepreneurship and tourism in the LAG area | ||||
| MEASURE 1.1 Strengthening the enabling environment for the development of sustainable forms of agriculture, entrepreneurship and tourism | R.37 Rural growth and jobs: new jobs supported by CAP projects | EAFRD | 1 | 2 |
| MEASURE 1.2 Strengthening the support environment for the development of sustainable forms of local entrepreneurship and tourism | Number of jobs/networks/events/products supported or created to promote local entrepreneurship (excluding farm operators) | ERDF | 1 | 2 |
| MEASURE 1.3 Creating conditions for the marketing of local products and services | R.37 Rural growth and jobs: new jobs supported by CAP projects | EAFRD | 1 | 1 |
| OBJECTIVE 2: Development of social infrastructure and intergenerational/social services | ||||
| MEASURE 2.1 Upgrading and minor investments in social infrastructure | R.42 Promoting social inclusion: number of people covered by social inclusion projects receiving support | EAFRD | 30 | 70 |
| MEASURE 2.2 Upgrading and minor investments in social infrastructure – intergenerational cooperation | Number of programmes/workshops/events/trainings/trainings aimed at the social inclusion of older people, young people and other vulnerable groups | ERDF | 2 | 4 |
| ACTION 2.3 Building people-to-people links to improve cultural and social relations and active community involvement | R.42 Promoting social inclusion: number of people covered by social inclusion projects receiving support | EAFRD | 40 | 80 |
| ACTION 2.4 Building people-to-people links to improve cultural and social relations and active community participation | Number of programmes/workshops/events/trainings/trainings aimed at the social inclusion of older people, young people and other vulnerable groups | ERDF | 3 | 6 |
| OBJECTIVE 3: Improving the protection and conservation of nature and biodiversity and reducing pollution | ||||
| ACTION 3.1 Conserve habitats and species and reduce biodiversity loss | R.27 Environmental or climate performance due to rural investments: number of operations contributing to environmental sustainability objectives and achieving climate change mitigation and adaptation in rural areas | EAFRD | 1 | 2 |
| MEASURE 3.2 Improving the protection and conservation of the natural heritage in the LAG area | Number of training courses/training/programmes/products aimed at protecting the environment
and health, and raising awareness among the local population to improve the environment and health |
ERDF | 2 | 4 |
| ACTION 3.3 Promote sustainable practices and reduce pollution | R.27 Environmental or climate performance due to rural investments: number of operations contributing to environmental sustainability objectives and achieving climate change mitigation and adaptation in rural areas | EAFRD | 1 | 2 |
OBJECTIVE 1: Strengthening sustainable forms of agriculture, entrepreneurship and tourism in the LAG area
Achieving Objective 1 requires a holistic approach and coordinated action by the various stakeholders. This will require a variety of activities to promote the economic development of the area through upgrading and development in the areas of agriculture, entrepreneurship, and tourism.
Support will be given to activities aimed at:
- Promoting cooperation and networking: developing common brands, common tourism products/services, and local platforms for cooperation…
- Support for development and training: to provide activities to support potential and active farmers, entrepreneurs, and tourism providers in developing their agricultural, entrepreneurial, and tourism activities.
- Infrastructure development and small-scale investments: to realise the ideas, small-scale investments in infrastructure (tangible and intangible assets) must also be foreseen to support the development of agriculture, entrepreneurship and tourism.
- Marketing and promotion: Implementing effective marketing and promotion activities for agricultural, business, and tourism operators in rural areas is the next step to successfully strengthening the three sectors.
- Partnerships and networking: Networking with related organisations, associations, institutions, and sectors at the LAG level is essential for exchanging experience, knowledge, and good practices. It also allows the development of common products and services in the LAG area.
- Sustainable approach: all three sectors must integrate sustainable practices and principles, focusing on organic farming, circular economy, energy efficiency, renewable energy, digitalisation, etc.
OBJECTIVE 2: Development of social infrastructure and intergenerational/social services
Objective 2 aims to create an environment that promotes the quality of life of its inhabitants and provides services that meet the needs of different generations, with a particular focus on the inclusion of vulnerable groups (elderly, young people, rural women, unemployed).
This objective and its activities bring together different generations, promote the exchange of knowledge, experience, and skills, and contribute to a more cohesive and community-friendly society. In addition, strengthening social infrastructure and intergenerational services can also help reduce loneliness, improve quality of life, and support social cohesion in the local environment.
OBJECTIVE 3: Improving the protection and conservation of nature and biodiversity and reducing pollution
Goal 3 aims to conserve natural ecosystems, the foundation for clean water, fresh air and food supplies. At the same time, we provide habitat for a diversity of life that is important in providing ecosystem services and balancing ecosystems. By adequately managing nature and reducing pollution, we contribute to maintaining climate balance, ensuring sustainable economic growth and improving people’s quality of life and well-being.
