How Czechia's multi-funded CLLD model supports social inclusion through simplified delivery and stronger local partnerships

Czechia's broader CLLD framework brings together funding from several EU programmes, including the CAP Strategic Plan, under integrated local development strategies. Implemented through separate programmes and managing authorities, this multi-funded approach enables LAGs to address different territorial needs, from social inclusion and employment to local infrastructure, economic development and environmental measures. 

The ESF+ dimension, delivered through the Operational Programme Employment Plus (OPE+), provides a particularly relevant example of simplified implementation arrangements. Together with intensive capacity building and ongoing cooperation between Local Action Groups and the managing authority, these arrangements have enabled a new role for LAGs in addressing social challenges at the local level.

Giving local partnerships a clear implementation role

The Czech ESF+ CLLD model is built on a simple principle: give LAGs an implementation role in addressing social inclusion while reducing administrative complexity.

Under OPE+, the role of LAGs has evolved significantly from the previous programming period. Rather than primarily managing local funding procedures, LAGs now act as direct beneficiaries, implementing integrated social inclusion projects financed through allocations under OPE+. They coordinate local stakeholders and work directly with people, families and communities.

Under the previous model, LAGs managed local calls and project selection, supporting numerous smaller projects implemented by different beneficiaries. The new arrangement removes the need for separate local calls and project selection procedures within the ESF+ component, significantly reducing administrative and control requirements, particularly for the managing authority.

This implementation model is particularly well suited to the social inclusion and community work supported by ESF+. It has strengthened LAGs' expertise and capacities in social inclusion, while helping them become trusted partners of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, bringing practical experience from local communities into policy development.

Within their OPE+ projects, LAGs carry out activities addressing local social needs, focusing on the following areas:

The emphasis is not on delivering standardised services, but on prevention and developing solutions tailored to local needs and circumstances. In most cases, LAGs employ professionals, such as social workers, as part of their project teams. Alternatively, they may involve specialised organisations as project partners, particularly in areas requiring specific expertise, such as palliative care.

The model was explored during an international study visit to Czechia on 7-8 September 2026. The visit was organised by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs in cooperation with the European Commission's Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL), the ESF+ Support Centre and the National Network of LAGs. It brought together representatives of ministries, managing authorities, national agencies, LAG networks and other stakeholders from nine Member States.

Participants examined how LAGs can address social challenges through a place-based and community-led approach, with particular attention to the added value of their local knowledge, partnerships and direct engagement with communities. Practical examples, including the shared social worker model, illustrated how these arrangements can support social inclusion and prevention in smaller municipalities.

Local knowledge, trust and prevention

A central feature of the Czech model is the importance placed on local knowledge. Because LAGs are deeply embedded in their territories, they are often able to identify social needs earlier, recognise gaps in existing systems and reach people who might otherwise remain outside formal support structures.

One example is the sharing of social workers across several small municipalities. Many rural municipalities lack the capacity and expertise to address social challenges on their own. By working closely with local authorities, schools, service providers and residents, social workers supported by LAGs can identify problems at an early stage and provide assistance directly in people's natural environments. This can strengthen prevention and improve access to support while complementing the existing social protection system.

Participants in the study visit also explored the work of the Brdy-Vltava LAG where community-based approaches are used to support social inclusion and resilience. Through its community centre and multidisciplinary cooperation, the LAG brings together social workers, schools, municipalities, service providers and other professionals to coordinate support for vulnerable families and children. The centre provides a place for community activities as well as case conferences and joint problem solving involving different actors.

The approach has also enabled the LAG to respond to changing circumstances. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the LAG organised individual tutoring for children affected by school closures. Later, following the arrival of people fleeing the war in Ukraine, it mobilised the local community, provided food and material assistance, and gradually supported the integration and empowerment of newcomers.

These experiences illustrate a recurring message from the Czech model: investing in community capacity and prevention can help communities address social challenges at an earlier stage.

Combining simplification with evidence and continuous learning

Another important feature of the Czech model is its emphasis on evidence and learning. Monitoring, evaluation and self-assessment are built into the system.

Alongside standard programme indicators, the model uses complementary indicators designed specifically for CLLD projects. These help capture changes that can be difficult to measure through traditional programme reporting, such as increased community participation, stronger local cooperation, improved access to support or greater self-sufficiency among participants.

LAGs continuously collect and reflect on this information. It is used not only for reporting, but also to improve project delivery and adapt activities to emerging needs. By September 2026, aggregated monitoring data from projects implemented by 135 LAGs across Czechia showed that more than 24 500 people had experienced a stabilisation or improvement in their life situation as a result of participating in community activities. 

More than 3 300 people had increased their ability to manage difficult social situations independently and reported a positive qualitative change in their lives. The monitoring framework also recorded more than 5 500 active community members, while social work support had been provided in 741 municipalities. 

Continuous learning is also reflected in how support is designed. During the current programming period, LAGs implement two consecutive projects. Before launching the second phase, they are required to reflect on the results of the first, identify what worked and what did not, and explain how the lessons learned will be incorporated into future activities.

This process is complemented by evaluations carried out at managing authority level. Current work includes efforts to better capture and demonstrate the value of community-based approaches, including the social and economic benefits generated through prevention, community work and local partnerships.

Knowledge sharing is equally important. Lessons from local projects are regularly exchanged among LAGs and communicated to ministries and policymakers. LAGs therefore not only implement activities but increasingly serve as knowledge partners, bringing practical experience from local communities into policy development. 

The underlying message is that simplification does not mean the absence of accountability. Instead, the Czech approach seeks to concentrate administration where capacity exists, allowing local partnerships to devote more of their energy to outcomes and impact. 

Strengthening the social dimension of CLLD beyond 2027

The Czech experience builds on wider reflection about the role of CLLD in inclusive, place-based development. In 2025, Czechia shared lessons from its experience in a publication presenting the outcomes of an international conference on multi-fund CLLD, with a particular focus on ESF+.

The publication set out several recommendations for the post-2027 period. These include preserving integrated and place-based approaches as a core principle of cohesion policy, strengthening multi-fund and multi-sectoral implementation, enhancing the role of LAGs as trusted knowledge partners, investing in capacity building and simplifying administrative frameworks. It also highlighted the contribution CLLD can make to social inclusion, employment and resilient communities. 

The September 2026 study visit provided an opportunity to explore these lessons in practice and exchange ideas on strengthening the social dimension of CLLD in different national contexts and within the future 2028+ policy framework.

The future role of CLLD was therefore an important part of the discussions. Participants considered the emerging architecture for 2028-2034 and noted that a number of principles promoted at European level are already embedded in the CLLD approach, including place-based development, integrated solutions, partnership, flexibility, multi-level governance and stronger territorial coordination.

Discussions also highlighted the importance of stronger links between LAGs, managing authorities, ministries, municipalities and European institutions. 

The exchange resulted in participants identifying concrete actions to explore after returning to their countries. These included considering how social inclusion could be better integrated into existing CLLD frameworks, how LAGs could play a more active role in addressing social challenges locally, and how implementation models could be simplified while maintaining accountability and impact.

The Czech partners and the European Commission encouraged participants to continue exchanging experiences through future peer-learning activities, study visits and cooperation initiatives. 

Author: Renáta Kučerová, Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic