A new Declaration on ‘smart villages’ calls for innovative and inclusive use of digital technologies; strengthened knowledge and entrepreneurship; and complementary support under EU funding instruments to boost the development of rural economies across the EU.

The Declaration – under the heading ‘Smarter Future of the Rural Areas in EU’ –  was signed at a dedicated event (13 April, 2018 – Bled, Slovenia), attended by European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Phil Hogan.

“Smart Villages are essentially about people – they are about rural communities taking the initiative to find practical solutions to challenges and make the most of new opportunities,” said Commissioner Hogan (read the full speech).