The role of Local Action Groups in the formation of human, social and economic capital of rural areas

Abstract

The main objective of Local Action Groups (LAGs), in accordance with the principles of LEADER, as implemented in EU Member States, and who were formed under this approach is to conduct such activities which contribute to the generation and reinforcement of human and social capital in local communities as well as to activate local community members. Importantly LAGs are entities through which the financial resources provided by EU programmes, are distributed to partnership areas for the purposes of development and the improvement of living conditions of their inhabitants. The present article studies various types of capital (human, social, economic) which is accumulated within analysed territorial partnerships as well as their potential to reinforce the existing supplies of these types of capital and generate new capital supplies in local communities.