What’s new with us?

We at the leader office help you to find more ways to cover costs if Leader is not for you. We have gathered tips on more financiers of projects.

The new long-term budget brings together several EU funds in a common plan. Leader mandatory measure for Rural Areas with special constraints. The Swedish Board of Agriculture is now working on developing proposals for measures that include Leader. Leader Bergslagen will begin developing a new strategy at the end of 2026. The goal is for the next period to start in 2028.

Vivi at the Leader office is exploring the terrain to see what the interest looks like for Bergslagen's youth and young adults to take part in the opportunities that the EU offers.
* Volunteer jobs within Sweden and abroad for young adults?
* Youth trips within Erasmus+?
* Free Interrail tickets for 18-year-olds?

There are just over two million kronor available to apply for Leader checks. The LAG board makes ongoing decisions throughout the year about the small projects focused on business, youth, quality of life, preparedness, and the environment. Checks are also available for small feasibility studies, for example, if an association wants to develop in a new direction.

The board consists of members from all three sectors (private, non-profit, and public) and all ten municipalities. In addition, there is a network of 20 municipal officials with ”Leader on their desk.”.

A new compilation based on over 3000 Leader projects shows how local initiatives create long-term development throughout Sweden! Read the short compilation, dive into the full report – or watch a recording on Youtube.

Since spring 2023, the Leader Bergslagen board has allocated just over 40 million kronor to over 60 larger projects as well as over 200 checks for smaller activities.

Conversations about climate and transition is a two-year project run by Leader Bergslagen in connection with the association being accepted to become a Climate Pact Partner within the EU in 2026.

Help for anyone communicating about a project or leader check. Important info about the information requirement.

Help for everyone communicating about a project. Important info about the information requirement Conversations about the climate

The partnership is a recognition of Leader Bergslagen's commitment and an opportunity to scale up our sustainability work in collaboration with the EU! Being a Climate Pact Partner means that we are formally affiliated with the European Commission's initiative to drive the climate transition.

In connection with the annual general meeting, we invite everyone who is curious to meet the office and the board for coffee. 23/4 14:30

The name ”Räddaren i nöden” playfully aims to develop outdoor toilets and toilets around Bergslagen, as this was the origin of the umbrella project. However, in communication with associations, a broader need has emerged to work with associations from a community preparedness perspective. This Leadercheck can satisfy the existing demand. It is therefore not only toilet solutions that are intended – it can also involve courses and workshops that strengthen preparedness.

The municipal network has a little extra knowledge of Leader and is happy to help you design projects. Who is the contact person at your municipality?

The board of Leader Bergslagen hereby calls all members to the annual general meeting. April 23, 2026 at 3:30 PM. Follow the link for the nomination committee's proposal, annual report and audit report.

Leader will be mandatory for member states to participate in, but there are no earmarked funds. It will be a multi-fund solution, at the same time reduced funds for CAP. Reduced co-financing from the EU, previously 50% will be reduced to 40%.

The application pressure has been high during the program period and we are therefore introducing an application freeze that will apply until further notice. Expressions of interest and applications will not be processed during this period. This applies to larger leader projects and feasibility studies. Information about any changes or the possibility of receiving new applications will be communicated via our website or our social media.

Since spring 2023, Leader Bergslagen's board has distributed SEK 40 million to 61 major projects and over 150 checks for smaller activities.

Help for you who want to upload Geotagged photos.

There is still money available to apply for Leader checks. The LAG board makes ongoing decisions throughout the year about the small projects focused on youth, quality of life, business, and the environment. Checks are also available for small feasibility studies, for example, if an association wants to develop its operations.

Since its inception in the spring of 2023, the Leader Bergslagen board has distributed over 40.5 million (out of its 41.5 million) SEK to Leader projects, feasibility studies and allocated money for checks and small projects.

At the association Local Development Sweden's member dinner in connection with this year's national Leader meeting in Gotland, the Leader Project of the Year and the Leader Project of the Year – by youth for youth were awarded. All 40 leader areas were allowed to submit their nominations, and an external jury selected the winners. Our projects were awarded, which was celebrated with a party at Hyrkarten in Grängesberg. There were taste tests of both hip-hop and go-karting.

Ekomuseum Bergslagen is arranging a study trip to Finland in the spring of 2026 in collaboration with the Finnish Administrative Area Smedjebacken and Leader Bergslagen. Through the trip, we want to develop the collaboration with the sister museum, but also look at how we can become better at promoting Finnish in our home municipalities. We would love to see fellow travelers from both the museum world and officials from our municipalities. The goal is to learn from the sister museum and the municipalities in Finland and to create new collaborations at home so that after the trip we can continue to explore the different perspectives of emigration and immigration.

Help for those who want to report projects in the e-service.

Help for those who want to apply for advance payment in the e-service.

This information is aimed at you who have had the project approved as a Lump Sum. Please read the attachment ”Important information about lump sums” carefully as it specifies what should be attached to the final report to show that you have met the goal.

While we at Leader Bergslagen are implementing the current strategy 2023-2027, we are curiously following developments for the future. In July 2025, the European Commission presented its new long-term budget for 2028-2034.

ERASMUS+ offers opportunities for youth exchange. Leader Bergslagen can help you go to the country where Bara Bada Sauna originated!

We are now launching a series of meetings on the theme ”The Art of Living on Art.” For you who are an artist or craftsperson in the Leader Bergslagen area. We explore how folk education and cooperative development can strengthen artistic entrepreneurship and open up new ways to work together. All meetings are free and open to you who are active in art and craft throughout the Leader Bergslagen area.

Three board meetings are scheduled for the fall. Decisions about larger projects will be made then. However, there is an opportunity to apply for checks continuously. The decision committee meets at one-month intervals.

In the calendar, you can see upcoming deadlines, both for checks, feasibility studies, and leader projects.

The focus area Protecting Nature in Bergslagen needs to receive more applications. We have received hundreds of ideas where the focus is on the social aspect. Nothing wrong with that, but there has been an imbalance in the distribution of project funds.

There is potential in Bergslagen for a development that prioritizes climate and sustainability over the pursuit of money and population growth.

Get help from our YouTube channel @leaderbergslagen2027.
We have recorded presentations, explained the leader method, created instructions for the applications, etc.

Under the banner of Rural Week, three activities are organized around Leader Bergslagen:
Monday 5/5 at 17:30-20. Fagersta Folkets hus. Inspiration evening about regenerative tourism.
Wednesday 7/5 at 10-12 Karbenning community center. Webinar and discuss leader projects.
Thursday 8/5 at 8-10 Fagersta city hotel. Inspiration meeting for female entrepreneurs with breakfast at the City Hotel in Fagersta.

The Leader office's email inbox is busy and the phone is ringing off the hook. You are welcome with your idea year-round!

The board then makes decisions as the projects are formulated.

In the calendar, you can see upcoming deadlines, both for checks, feasibility studies, and leader projects.

You can watch this recording to get general information about Leader Bergslagen. Once you have watched it, contact the office or your municipal official. Welcome with your project idea!

Help us secure Leader's funding for 2028! Thank you to those who have already clicked the link and signed. We are not there yet. Every vote counts.

The board of Leader Bergslagen hereby invites all members to the annual association meeting. April 8, 2025.

In connection with the annual meeting, we invite everyone who is curious to meet the office and the board for coffee. 8/4 14:30

Do you have an idea for a local environmental project in Bergslagen? Then you can apply for Leaders Environmental Checks to finance and realize your plans!

Showcase your Leader project

We know there are lots of exciting EU projects across our long country that are really making a difference to people. This EU-wide campaign is about showcasing all you have achieved so that more people know the good you are doing.

Make sure you have your account details entered in My Pages.

The year has just begun and it is time to look ahead.
What projects can you develop this year – but that have a project start in 2026 and last until 2027?

This year's deadlines.

14/5 for decision round 9.

15/8 for decision round 10.

The checks can be applied for continuously. Contact the office today to test your idea.

Leader information in Finnish. Contact the office. We also speak Finnish.

Help for those who want to create an application in the e-service.

Can you entice people to act?
Leader Bergslagen is looking for a coordinator to mobilize local groups to achieve the goal with the new environmental checks. It doesn't have to be classic info meetings/lectures. Even theater could be the key. Or humor.

Leader Bergslagen's youth check finances participation in the Value-Based Leadership course. It is suitable for sports clubs, cultural clubs, scout clubs... yes, any club where you lead young people.

Since its inception in spring 2024, the Leader Bergslagen board has allocated 21 million kronor to 30 larger projects. Of these, 3.2 million kronor are so-called checks.

Over 50 checks for a total of 1 million have already been granted and there is a lot of money left in the pot. These checks are being distributed in the Leader area and in this way even a small association can easily get a share of the EU money.

The winter deadlines are set. You can continuously contact the office to present your project idea.

Get help from us at the office so it gets it right from the start! The EU flag should be visible because half of our funding comes from there. Let's help each other.

Every krona Smedjebacken pays in as co-financing is exchanged for up to three krona. In this way, Smedjebacken, together with the other localities, can bring EU funds back to their municipalities.

Watch the film that Leader Sweden has produced about Leader.

The autumn deadlines are set. You can continuously contact the office to present your project idea.

During the first project year, the Leader Bergslagen board distributed SEK 4.2 million to 12 projects. In addition, SEK 1.2 million was allocated to the checks. On the Projects page, all projects that have been approved by the Leader Bergslagen board will be presented.

Take part in the lecture Linda Soneryd gave with the title; What future are we changing to? Climate change Bergslagen. Soneryd is a professor of sociology and chairman of HNK Hedströmsdalens natur og kultur, which runs a leader project in Skinnskatteberg.

Welcome to the workshop about the checks and we will help you with the application. June 11 at 1:30 PM on Teams. It is quite easy to complete the checks if you know what criteria apply!

Are you considering the timeline for a full-scale leader project? Once you have completed all steps and submitted the application, you will receive a receipt with the arrival date, which is the day that starts the formal waiting period…

During the year, the LAG board has assessed incoming project applications and made decisions, determined support amounts and submitted proposals for decisions to the Swedish Board of Agriculture in 20 cases.

Dog Day Järnboås May 9th 10am-3pm. Free.

The meaning of the land Theater cinema Norberg May 4 at 1 PM

Welcome to a day dedicated to Bergslagen storytelling. At 11:00 AM there will be a guided tour at the old Stollbergsgruvan and from 2 PM we continue in Meken. Smedjebacken.

Create biochar on Valborg in a contiki together with countryside friends in Hällefors, Rombohöjden.

Leader meeting in the green. See you in Järnboås, Finnsjöstrand June 10th from 2-4pm. Get inspired by previous projects and discuss new ideas with us. Coffee sales.

In early summer 2024, Gränges will organize try-out days for people with mobility impairments. Free opportunities for go-karting with hand controls.

Since its inception in spring 2023, the Leader Bergslagen board has allocated 6 million kronor to 15 projects. Additionally, 1.6 million kronor have been set aside for the checks. On the page Projects, we continuously update the list of projects as they receive approval from the Leader Bergslagen board, as well as start decisions from the Swedish Board of Agriculture.

Valborg concert for youth, Jacqline Fagersta. At 7 PM. Folkets hus

The board of Leader Bergslagen hereby calls all members to the annual general meeting. Date: Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

The board of Leader Bergslagen hereby calls all members to the annual general meeting. Date: Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

The application process for leader projects takes place in three steps. We have created a page to guide you. We offer info meetings, video clips, Q&A sessions, idea meetings, workshops, etc.

Here's how to become a member. Email current contact information to the office. The LAG board will decide on membership at the next board meeting.

During the first project year, the Leader Bergslagen board distributed SEK 4.2 million to 12 projects. In addition, SEK 1.2 million was allocated to the checks. On the Projects page, all projects that have been approved by the Leader Bergslagen board will be presented.

We want to get more ideas with the aim of protecting the environment. So far, we have only had three project ideas approved: Climate adaptation of ski trails, Study visit to cooperative farms, Archiving project to bring cultural history to life. Perhaps you would like to arrange workshops and lecture evenings with an invited inspirer/climate psychologist/researcher?

Leader Bergslagen's vision for the period 2023–2027 is: Together we make Bergslagen a better place to visit, live and work.

We continuously process all incoming ideas. On the page test-your-idea, there is a checklist that guides what is ”leader.”.

When can one get in touch with you? – We do not have a physical office, Leader Bergslagen's secretariat will instead travel around to our municipalities, as well as have digital meetings.

Start decision from the Swedish Board of Agriculture. Hereby it is announced that Leader Bergslagen will be allowed to carry out local led development through the Leader method 2023-2027! This means that we can start planning for application processes, coaching, meetings … and more.

This post will explain what rural development through Leader is all about. Leader is a method that was developed 30 years ago within the EU and is based on cooperation, local initiatives, and local conditions. LEADER stands for Liaisons Entre Actions de Développment de l’Economie Rurale. It translates to ”Cooperative actions aimed at developing the rural economy.”.