Introduction to European Exchange

During phase one of this overall project successful contacts were established between three Leader areas – North Antrim Leader (Northern Ireland) Leader Varmland (Sweden) and Svenska Osterbotten (Finland).  Representatives from the community development sector met their counterparts in the other Leader areas to discuss possible further co-operation.

From the initial familiarisation visits it was recognised that each area had much to learn from the other areas and that each area was fully committed to developing co-operation further.  After further discussion and contact following the completion of Phase One the following proposal was agreed for further co-operation between the community development sectors in each Leader area.

The overall aim of the exchange programme was to further develop transnational co-operation between the community development sectors in three Leader areas and to help identify projects for more constructive development proposals involving active participants from at least two of the three co-operation regions.

Each participating group was matched with a partner group in another country according to the area and issues of interest. As part of the exchange participants had the chance to take part in a committee meeting organised by the host group and a chance to visit local projects.

Participating Communities

Country	Community	Contact	Web Site
Northern Ireland	Broughshane	broughshane@nacn.org	www.antrim.net/broughshane
	Carnlough	carnlough@nacn.org	www.nacn.org/carnlough
	Armoy	armoy@nacn.org	www.nacn.org/armoy
	Glenravel	glenravel@nacn.org	www.nacn.org/glenravel
	Islandmagee	islandmagee@nacn.org	www.nacn.org/islandmagee
	Cushendall	cushendall@nacn.org	www.nacn.org/cushendall
Finland	Skolvagen
	Bjorkoby
	Smabonders
Swedish	Grasmark		www.grasmark.com
	Karlanda
	Lysvk		www.lysvik.nu
	Langserud		www.webfixaren.com/langserud

click here for the reports on the various workshops