30 years of ELR: Minister Hauk calls for climate protection and investments in the future!

30 years of ELR: Minister Hauk calls for climate protection and investments in the future!

Minister Peter Hauk MdL emphasized how important rural areas are for the development of our cities and communities on October 16, 2025 at the anniversary event of the Rural Area Development Program (ELR). This program has been implemented in Baden-Württemberg for 30 years now and has produced numerous future-oriented projects. However, it does not stand still and must constantly adapt to changes in rural areas. My news reports that current challenges such as basic medical care and investments in local village restaurants and bakeries have particular priority.

Minister Hauk emphasizes that the world of work is changing - more and more people are working mobile and need flexible workplaces. At the same time, he calls on communities to promote climate-resilient living environment designs, because climate change brings with it more hot days and more frequent heavy rain events. These topics in particular were also the content of the anniversary event in Schwarzach, where various ELR projects were presented. This included converting a barn into living space and redesigning the outdoor pool area. The Schwarzachhalle, where the celebration took place, is also a successful ELR project. Baden-Württemberg describes the goal of the ELR program as the structural development of rural communities and villages and highlights the four funding priorities: interior development/housing, basic services, work and community facilities.

Funding for rural development

The ELR program is administered by the Ministry of Food, Rural Affairs and Consumer Protection. Both municipal and private investments can be supported with grants. Project sponsors and grant recipients are a colorful mix of municipalities, associations, companies and private individuals. However, applications for this must be submitted by the cities and municipalities themselves, who must present their development ideas. The application process is processed by the regional councils, which are also responsible for approving projects for the common good. Bmleh.de further informs that the subsidies can be up to 75% of the costs, which represents a good deal for rural communities.

Eligible measures can be implemented particularly well in the form of integrated rural development concepts (ILEK) and development plans. These concepts are designed to maintain and further develop rural areas as living, working and recreational areas. All relevant stakeholders, including citizens and authorities, are actively involved in the planning.

In summary, it can be said that the ELR program has played a major role in the stabilization and further development of rural areas over the last 30 years. With targeted funding and a clear commitment to sustainable development, those responsible are well equipped to continue meeting the challenges in the future. It remains exciting to see how communities will use the program's opportunities.