Beyond Rural Development: The Role of Leader in Promoting EU Values and Norms in Rural Spain and Türkiye

This paper explores how the European Union's (EU) rural development approach, particularly through the LEADER program, contributes not only to socio-economic revitalization but also to the dissemination and reinforcement of EU norms and values. The LEADER approach, rooted in local empowerment and participatory governance, is designed to stimulate rural economies by fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. Beyond its economic goals, it also acts as a vehicle for promoting EU principles such as local democracy, citizen participation, gender equality.

The research focuses on a comparative qualitative analysis of LEADER implementation in Spain and Türkiye, drawing on fieldwork conducted in Local Action Group (LAG) areas in both countries. By examining how local actors engage with the LEADER framework, this study aims to uncover the extent to which EU norms and values are integrated into rural governance structures and development projects. Key questions include how and to what extent the participatory decision-making processes contribute to broader socio-political cohesion within the EU’s framework.

This study provides valuable insights into the LEADER program’s dual role as an economic tool and a normative instrument. Through in-depth interviews and case studies, it reveals how rural development initiatives can foster not only economic growth but also the alignment of local communities with EU values. The findings contribute to ongoing debates on the EU’s added value and its ability to influence rural development beyond mere economic parameters, with implications for future policy-making in both member and candidate countries.