The budget framework for the new long-term budget
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 the framework for its new long-term budget for 2028-2034. The new budget covers 2000 billion euros and has a strong focus on preparedness.
The Leaders' interest group in the EU, ELARD, summarizes the budget proposal as follows: in his post:
Leaders are recognized, but are not guaranteed funds.
It does not state that countries must implement rural development through Leader – it is up to each member state to decide.
Leader Bergslagen hopes to have the chance to continue its operations even after 2027.
ELARD continues in his post:
While the budget was presented in three simultaneous presentations, one by Ursula Von der Leyen, one by Piotr Serafin to the Committee on Budgets and one by Christophe Hansen to the Committee on Agriculture, focusing on the Common Agricultural Policy and what it means for the future of rural development and agriculture, Christophe Hansen reassured by quoting LEADER directly:
”I know that rural development is an issue that is close to your heart. It may not be in the title of the regulation, but its content is there. All the well-known measures are there and are even reinforced. LEADER will continue to benefit even more from an integrated approach, allowing Member States to benefit from resources and be more effective there too.”
At ELARD, we welcome this recognition. It shows that the tireless efforts of our network and our partners have borne fruit: LEADER is not only surviving but is also valued. This is no small feat in a climate where many programs are at risk of being cut or watered down. For once, we feel heard – and even a little proud.
Christophe Hansen is Commissioner in the EU for Agriculture and Food, i.e. ”our” Commissioner for Leader and Rural Development, you could say.
Now a period of negotiation awaits before the details of the EU's long-term budget for 2028-2034 are finalized.
Local Development Sweden has its own page with budget updates
Go in and read on https://lokalutvecklingsverige.se/infor-2028-2034/.
The government's page on the EU's common agricultural policy. https://www.regeringen.se/regeringens-politik/eus-gemensamma-jordbrukspolitik/.
The government writes: For the coming period, 2028–2034, the European Commission has proposed that agricultural policy should be included in the broader National and Regional Partnership Plan (NRPP) together with funds for other priority areas. Negotiations on the new regulatory framework are ongoing and preparations for the upcoming Swedish implementation have begun.