About Us

European Institute for Local Development (EILD)

Founded in 2009, the European Institute for Local Development (EILD) is an independent, non-governmental organization that brings together European citizens, public institutions, and private entities committed to promoting sustainable regional development and cross-border collaboration.

With a focus on inclusion, innovation, and impact, EILD serves as a platform for transformative ideas, supporting local communities and empowering people through education, digitalization, and green transition strategies.

Who We Are

EILD brings together a vibrant network of 86 member organizations—including NGOs, municipalities, social partners, universities, and civil society actors—across countries such as Greece, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Turkey, and beyond.

Our strength lies in collaborative expertise. From vocational education to digital empowerment and green innovation, we facilitate regional cooperation and knowledge-sharing to respond to the complex challenges faced by European communities.

General Committee

The General Committee is composed of a diverse group of stakeholders from across the EU, including:

  • Local development professionals

  • Academics and researchers

  • NGO representatives

  • Industry and association leaders

  • Experts from the public sector and the social economy

This diversity ensures a multi-perspective approach to regional development, policy dialogue, and international cooperation.

Our Offices

With offices in Brussels, Thessaloniki, and Athens, EILD serves as a strategic hub for fostering innovation and connectivity between grassroots initiatives and institutional frameworks at the national and European levels.

These physical locations act as bridges between:

  • Businesses and municipalities

  • Academic institutions and research centers

  • Policy actors and local communities

Our aim is to cultivate an ecosystem of innovation and interdisciplinary learning, enabling the co-creation of solutions tailored to real societal needs.

Our Mission

EILD’s mission is to empower Europe’s regions with innovative tools and strategies for sustainable development, resilience, and inclusive growth.

By facilitating experience-sharing and cross-sectoral collaboration, we support the design and implementation of effective responses to the evolving social, economic, and environmental challenges of our time.

Since its foundation, EILD has steadily expanded its impact—both in scope and geography—while remaining anchored in its core values: collaboration, inclusivity, transparency, and transformation.

Through our secretariat in Greece, we coordinate a wide array of programs, especially in underserved or remote areas. Our team of experienced professionals works hand-in-hand with local authorities, civil society, and international partners to build stronger, more adaptable communities.

Our Vision

We envision a Europe where every individual and every region has access to opportunities that promote well-being, equity, and sustainability.

EILD is committed to a balanced way of life, where economic progress, social justice, and environmental care go hand in hand. By placing citizens at the heart of change, we aim to enhance quality of life through cooperation, innovation, and inclusive development.

Our Services

EILD offers a broad range of specialized services and strategic interventions, including:

Non Formal/Vocational Education

E-Learning & M-Learning

Integration of innovative educational solutions into mainstream curricula

Specialized Education for arginalized groups

Experience in European Projects (Erasmus+, EEA Grants, Interreg, AMIF, UfM)

Creation of Innovative Platforms for Culture and Education

For more information, please, browse EILD’s presentation here .