The European Landowners Organization (ELO), created in 1972, is a unique federation of national associations from the EU-27, which represents the interests of the landowners, land managers and rural entrepreneurs at the European political level. Independent and non-profit making and registered as such in Belgian law, ELO is the only organisation able to act as an advocate for all rural actors. Such a broad scope gives it an unmatched credibility and communication ability in its relations with the European decision makers, at the highest level, with other stakeholders and with the public opinion. ELO statutory commitment is to defend and promote sustainable development, conservation, protection and melioration of the environment and the responsible use of natural resources. ELO promotes a prosperous countryside through sustainable management. The countryside has to maintain its ability to create economic activity and job opportunities as well as to protect and enhance its environmental heritage. Both are equally essential.

To forward its positions ELO has developed a communication strategy including elaboration and coordination of action programmes, involvement in EU and international conferences and workshops and think tank management. The efficiency of the organisation stems from on its ability to gather together rural actors and political decision makers at local, regional, national and European levels. Its network of 55 organisations throughout Europe, represents more than 30 millions landowners and provides the ability to voice positions shared by a large number of stakeholders from all over the EU and the candidate countries as well as to analyse the local effects of the implementation of the EU legislation.

ELO is supported by the European Commission Directorate General Environment under the LIFE+ programme Operating Grant Agreement n° 07.0307/2009/SI2.535265SUB/A1.