National Network of Local Action Groups of the Czech Republic

The National Network of Local Action Groups of the Czech Republic (Czech: Národní síť Místních akčních skupin České republiky, z.s.; commonly abbreviated NS MAS) is a Czech registered association (spolek) that serves as the umbrella body for local action groups (místní akční skupiny, MAS) operating across the Czech Republic. Its members are legally independent entities — local partnerships composed of public and private actors such as citizens' groups, non-profit organizations, private entrepreneurs, municipalities and associations of municipalities — that work through the community-led local development method known as LEADER for the benefit of the countryside. The core purpose of NS MAS is to bring these local action groups together, to develop cooperation with other actors working for rural areas and their inhabitants, and to defend the shared interests of member MAS in dealings with state authorities. The network advocates for transparent, equal and administratively simple rules governing how MAS operate, and for conditions that broaden the influence and role of MAS in administering subsidies from funds intended to support rural development. It also represents and speaks for member MAS at national and international level, promotes the exchange of experience and good practice, and popularizes the role of MAS in community-led local development. To support these aims, NS MAS organizes lectures, training sessions and instruction courses intended to make work for the countryside more effective, and it takes part in organizing national and international conferences, exhibitions, excursions, competitions, celebrations and social and cultural events that support the sustainability and functioning of rural areas. The network communicates through its official website, which publishes news and reports from the regions, information about the 2021–2027 programming period, its own projects, a calendar of NS MAS events and a map of MAS. Organizationally, the highest body of NS MAS is the General Assembly (Valná hromada). Between general assemblies, the association's activities are managed by the NS MAS Committee (Výbor NS MAS), while a Control Commission (Kontrolní komise) oversees its work. Regional associations of MAS (Krajská sdružení MAS) may be formed in individual regions, and Working Groups (Pracovní skupiny) with an advisory and expert role are also created within the network. As of 1 January 2025, 176 of the total 180 MAS were members of the network, making it a broadly representative voice for the LEADER approach in the Czech Republic.

The National Network of Local Action Groups of the Czech Republic (NS MAS) is a Czech registered association (spolek) that was established to unite local action groups (místní akční skupiny, MAS) operating in the Czech Republic. Local action groups are legally independent local partnerships made up of public and private actors — citizens' groups, non-profit organizations, private entrepreneurs, municipalities and associations of municipalities — that carry out community-led local development using the LEADER method for the benefit of the countryside. NS MAS functions as the national umbrella for these groups. Its stated mission is to associate local action groups that work according to the basic criteria issued for the functioning of MAS; to develop cooperation with other actors working for the countryside and its inhabitants; to defend the shared interests of member MAS in relation to state authorities; to promote transparent, equal and administratively simple rules for the functioning of MAS; and to create conditions for broadening the influence and role of MAS in administering subsidies from funds designated to support rural development. It also represents and speaks for member MAS in national and international negotiations, in the exchange of experience and examples of good practice, and it promotes and popularizes the role of MAS in community-led local development. To advance these goals, the network organizes and holds lectures, training sessions and instruction courses aimed at making work for the countryside more effective, and it participates in organizing national and international conferences, exhibitions, excursions, competitions, celebrations and social and cultural events that support the sustainability and functioning of rural areas. Its official website publishes news and reports from the regions, information on the 2021–2027 programming period, its own projects, a calendar of NS MAS events and a map of MAS. Organizationally, the highest body of NS MAS is the General Assembly (Valná hromada). Between general assemblies, the association's activities are directed by the NS MAS Committee (Výbor NS MAS), and a Control Commission (Kontrolní komise) oversees its activities. Regional associations of MAS (Krajská sdružení MAS) may be formed in individual regions, and Working Groups (Pracovní skupiny) with an advisory and expert role are also created within NS MAS. As of 1 January 2025, 176 of the total 180 MAS were members of the network, indicating that NS MAS represents the large majority of Czech local action groups.

• As of 1 January 2025, 176 of the total 180 MAS in the Czech Republic were members of NS MAS.

A national umbrella and advocacy network for Czech local action groups applying the LEADER community-led local development method for rural areas.

• Membership and umbrella representation for local action groups

  NS MAS associates local action groups working according to the basic criteria issued for the functioning of MAS.

• Advocacy for transparent and simple rules for MAS

  The network promotes transparent, equal and administratively simple rules for the functioning of MAS and defends member interests toward state authorities.

• Training, lectures and instruction courses

  NS MAS organizes lectures, training and instruction courses to increase the effectiveness of work for the countryside.

• National and international conferences and events

  The network participates in organizing conferences, exhibitions, excursions, competitions, celebrations and cultural events supporting rural sustainability.

1. 1NS MAS České republiky - Oficiální stránky NS MAS České republiky, z.s.nsmascr.cz
2. 2Národní síť Místních akčních skupin České republiky – Wikipediecs.wikipedia.org
3. 3Wikidata Q66085278wikidata.org