EU Rural vision

Ministers for agriculture have adopted conclusions on the long-term vision for rural areas. The conclusions include crucial elements that aim to steer and inform upcoming political discussions on the ways forward for rural policies.

The second meeting of the Rural Pact Coordination Group (RPCG), held in Brussels on 7 November 2023, marked a pivotal moment in the advancement of the EU's Rural Pact. The key highlight of the meeting was the election of members to take new leadership roles, the Chair and Vice-chair, essential in guiding the future direction of the Rural Pact.

If you are wondering how to make the Rural Pact happen in your country or region, this Policy Briefing of the Rural Pact Support Office provides you with the key ingredients needed to foster concerted action towards meeting the objectives of the long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas.

This report available in EN and ES highlights the main messages voiced by participants at the event and provides access to key knowledge resources such as presentations and recordings.

Find out more about relevant EU-level initiatives and get inspired from local experiences on renewable energy communities, Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans and in energy poverty.

This policy brief of the EU Rural Observatory shows how remoteness can increase territorial disparities across the urban-rural continuum and proposes a characterisation and a map of remote rural areas of Europe according to the opportunities and challenges they face.

The declaration, adopted by the Bureau of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), emphasises the fundamental role of the Long-term Vision for the EU's Rural Areas 2040 and urges policy adjustments and earmarked funds. It highlights the need to address depopulation, climate challenges, and rural vulnerabilities for a cohesive future for Europe.

As a commitment to the Rural Pact, France has launched the ‘Institut des Hautes Études des Mondes Ruraux’ (IHEMRU). It aims to build capacities to a variety of stakeholders to help address the evolving challenges and opportunities in rural areas.

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) organised an event on 8 November 2023, within the framework of the Rural Pact, to explore the crucial role of local and regional governments in supporting skills in rural areas empowering them to meet both current and future demands.

The Agricultural and Rural Inspiration Awards (ARIA) 2023 are here, celebrating CAP-funded projects that are revolutionising agriculture and rural areas through lifelong learning, innovation, and competitiveness. Find out more about the 24 finalists, cast your vote by 1st December.

From 6 to 8 November, around 100 mountain representatives from 16 countries and 22 mountain ranges converged in Hungary for the Workshop 'Unlocking the Power of Mountain Value Chains', organised in the framework of the EU-funded MOVING project (MOuntain Valorisation through INterconnectedness and Green Growth).

Get inspired by the initiatives implemented by the Rural Pact Community to boost the bioeconomy (Finland), support bioenergy villages (Germany), transform islands into models of clean and green economy (Greece) and to involve rural stakeholders in energy production and consumption (Cyprus).

The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development has published an evaluation support study to assess the added value of LEADER and the extent to which the increased costs of implementing it are justified by its additional benefits.

The Eurostat Regional Yearbook 2023 is your comprehensive guide to statistical data across EU, EFTA, and candidate countries' regions. Understand the impact of policy decisions through a wide array of indicators.

The report "From Fields to Futures: 40 Action Points for Rural Revitalisation" by the Nordic Rural Youth Panel 2023 serves as a cornerstone document in addressing the complexities and challenges of rural development. The document offers 40 strategic recommendations aimed at reinvigorating rural areas through enhanced education, employment, housing, and community engagement, with a strong emphasis on youth involvement.

In 2020, nearly 4.5% of the EU’s total employment (9.4 million people) worked within the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector. The vast majority, or 4.2% of total employment, worked in agriculture. The agriculture, forestry and fishing sector continues to be a significant source of employment, particularly in eastern and southern EU countries.

Discover the latest guidance document developed by the Rural Energy Community Advisory Hub - support by DG Energy – which provides expert advice on setting up and running a rural energy community.

This guide supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development (Ireland) provides meaningful insights to assist in inclusive local engagement processes, particularly of marginalised communities also in rural areas.

The EU City Facility (EUCF) is getting ready to launch its sixth call for applications, offering a EUR 60 000 grant to municipalities and municipality groupings (including in rural areas) across the European Union, Iceland, and Ukraine. This funding supports the development of sustainable energy and energy efficiency projects.