The Communication also invites Member States to consider implementing rural proofing at the national, regional and local level.

In this context, a Thematic Group (TG) on Rural Proofing worked under the European network for rural development (now merged into the EU CAP Network), to share experience and develop recommendations. These recommendations can guide the design and implementation of rural proofing mechanisms within Member States at different administrative levels (national, regional and local).

The Thematic Group (TG) published a non-exhaustive working document, which expresses the views of the TG members, and aims to support policy-makers and all stakeholders involved in designing or implementing rural proofing mechanisms in their particular context at national, regional or local level. 

You can find the document  here and more information on the two meetings of the group.

The group also built on the work of a study funded from the Committee of the regions entitled “Rural proofing – a foresight framework for resilient rural communities”.