Rounded off the Regulatory Framework for the Registration of Local Action Groups and the Introduction of the LEADER Approach in Montenegro

The publication of the Rules on the detailed conditions for establishing, operating, and registering local action groups in the Official Gazette of Montenegro, number 118/2026, and the Rules on the National Rural Development Network of Montenegro, number 116/2026, has finalized the process of establishing the legal and institutional framework for registering Local Action Groups (LAG) and introducing the LEADER approach in Montenegro. A Local Action Group (LAG) represents a local public-private partnership comprising representatives from the civil, public, and private sectors, who prepare and implement Local Development Strategies within the territory covered by the LAG. The Rules clearly define the conditions for establishing and operating LAGs, their territorial scope, and the procedures for registration and maintaining the LAG Register. Registering LAGs is an important step towards establishing a 'bottom-up' approach in the local community, where local stakeholders—public, private, and civil sectors—jointly recognize the needs of their areas and participate in creating Local Development Strategies. The National Rural Development Network of Montenegro will play a significant role in this process, serving as a platform for connecting relevant institutions and organizations, exchanging knowledge and experiences, strengthening local partnerships, and supporting the implementation of the LEADER approach. The Rules on the detailed conditions for establishing, operating, and registering local action groups (Official Gazette of Montenegro, number 118/2026) and the Rules on the National Rural Development Network of Montenegro (Official Gazette of Montenegro, number 116/2026) mark the culmination of this process.