1.A partnered local development approach shall be implemented by the local action groups satisfying the following conditions:
(a)they must propose an integrated local development strategy based at least on the elements set out in Article 61(a) to (d) and (g) and be responsible for its implementation;
(b)they must consist of either a group already qualified for the Leader II (1) or Leader+ (2) initiatives, or according to the Leader approach, or be a new group representing partners from the various locally based socioeconomic sectors in the territory concerned. At the decision-making level the economic and social partners, as well as other representatives of the civil society, such as farmers, rural women, young people and their associations, must make up at least 50 % of the local partnership;
(c)they must show an ability to define and implement a development strategy for the area.
2.The Managing Authority shall ensure that the local action groups either select an administrative and financial lead actor able to administer public funds and ensure the satisfactory operation of the partnership, or come together in a legally constituted common structure the constitution of which guarantees the satisfactory operation of the partnership and the ability to administer public funds.
3.The area covered by the strategy shall be coherent and offer sufficient critical mass in terms of human, financial and economic resources to support a viable development strategy.
4.The local action groups shall choose the projects to be financed under the strategy. They may also select cooperation projects.
Commission notice to the Member States laying down guidelines for global grants or integrated operational programmes for which Member States are invited to submit applications for assistance in the framework of a Community initiative for rural development (Leader II) (OJ C 180, 1.7.1994, p. 48).
Commission notice to the Member States of 14 April 2000 laying down guidelines for the Community initiative for rural development (Leader+) (OJ C 139, 18.5.2000, p. 5). Notice as last amended by Commission communication amending the notice to the Member States of 14 April 2000 laying down guidelines for the Community Initiative for rural development (Leader+) (OJ C 294, 4.12.2003, p. 11).