LEAD4Shirak project in Armenia concluded: 48 businesses and 84 community initiatives supported

On 25 March, the EU-funded LEAD4Shirak project concluded its activities in Armenia. EU Ambassador to Armenia Vassilis Maragos took part in the project closing event, joining national and local partners.

Over the past five years, the LEAD4Shirak project has supported 48 businesses and 84 community initiatives, created 117 new jobs, supported thousands of residents and strengthened the capacity of rural communities of Shirak. 

“As the EU LEAD4Shirak project concludes, it leaves behind strong local partnerships, empowered communities and a proven model for bottom-up development,” the EU Delegation to Armenia said in a Facebook post. “Through the LEADER approach, municipalities, businesses and civil society have worked hand in hand to unlock local potential and deliver inclusive growth across Shirak, laying a strong foundation for continued, locally-driven development in the years ahead.”

The LEAD4Shirak project aimed to contribute to reducing poverty, inequality and vulnerability through integrated, sustainable and participatory rural development by introducing the LEADER approach. It also aimed to improve employment, rural economy, community empowerment and living conditions of rural population and their resilience, while protecting the environment and mainstreaming gender equality and women empowerment.

Find out more

Press release

Video on Youtube highlighting project results