European Association of Development Agencies

The European Association of Development Agencies (EURADA) was created in December 1991 following three years of informal dialogue within the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR). The association was established thanks to financial support from the European Com...

The European Association of Development Agencies (EURADA) was created in December 1991 following three years of informal dialogue within the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR). The association was established thanks to financial support from the European Commission under Article 10 of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

EURADA currently includes 120 members from 13 countries. These consist of development agencies meeting the following criteria:

- A mission of economic development characterized by the search of the collective or overall interest of a geographical area;
- Significant links with a local authority, either with regard to its management and financing or its tasks;
- A sufficiently important and relevant working area.

The specified objectives of EURADA include:

- Definition of a regional development strategy;
- Implementation of the regional economic support policy;
- Creation of an environment favourable to the development of activities and job places;
- Contribution to strengthening the competitiveness of enterprises;
- Establishment of training schemes in favour of company managers;
- Aid for the internationalization of enterprises.

Services provided by EURADA to its members include:

- Dialogue with the Community authorities;
- Promotion of common projects through the organization of cooperation workshops on concrete projects;
- Cooperation with non-EC agencies;
- Dissemination of information through regular publications;
- Exchange of experience between members through the organization of seminars on various issues (SMEs, environment, regional development, etc.).