European Rural Development Network Structures

1. European Rural Development Network Structures DG AGRI F3

2. European Network for Rural Development (Art. 67) • Networking of national networks, organisations and administrations active in the field of rural development at Community level • Roles include: • Collecting, analysing and disseminating information on RD measures; • Collecting, disseminating and consolidating at Community level good rural development practice; • Providing information on developments in rural areas in the EU and 3rd countries; • Organise meetings and seminars on RD at Community level; • Setting up and running expert networks to facilitate exchange of expertise and support implementation and evaluation of RD policy; • Supporting the national networks and transnational co-operation initiatives.

3. Administrative Structure for the European Network for Rural Development • Coordination Committee as a permanent Structure • Leader sub-committee • Thematic working groups • Evaluation Expert Committee

4. Composition of the Coordination Committee • composed of representatives of each national network unit, the national competent authority (national managing authority or authority in charge of the national network), and European level organisations (including organisations members of the Advisory Group for Rural Development).

5. Coordination Committee:European organisations • 12 representatives from organisations active in the field of rural development at Community level. 4 organisations whose main purpose and activity correspond to each of those objectives: • (a) improving the competitiveness of agriculture and forestry; • (b) improving the environment and the countryside; • (c) improving quality of life in rural areas and diversification of the rural economy. • 1 representative shall be from a European organisation representing local action groups