EU Rural vision

Invigorating rural areas and communities through rural proofing and increased political support across policy areas is among the key recommendations in the final report of the Strategic Dialogue on the future of EU agriculture, presented on 4 September 2024. The report expressly emphasises the need for rural proofing ahead of the next Multiannual Financial Framework and other legislative proposals. Notably, the Strategic Dialogue recommends advancing the European Rural Pact to facilitate rural proofing and help to better address the specific needs of rural areas within a sustainable transition.

Browse through the presentations and video recordings from our dedicated Policy Lab for practical examples and approaches to capitalising on the green transition and enhancing rural communities’ territorial development tools.

Are you working on initiatives related to rural proofing and demography? We offer you an online space for pan-European exchange on each topic – join or new Community Groups! Connect with peers, experts, and like-minded individuals – sign up to become a member of the Rural Pact Community and join the debate.

Explore our latest Good Practices covering a wealth of inspiring initiatives, including approaches to climate action, community engagement, and participatory, integrated governance.

LEADER’s added value – to building social capital, reinforcing local governance and delivering enhanced projects – needs to be put more in the policy focus by LEADER stakeholders. A recent European Commission paper evaluates LEADER’s impact on balanced territorial development.

The collaborative, holistic, and integrated approach upheld by the Rural Pact contributes to achieving innovation and skill development necessary for the green transition. This headline message emerged from discussions at the European Rural Development Network (ERDN) conference of 11-13 September in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Climate Pact Ambassadors lead climate action, inspiring others and supporting climate policy and activities in their communities and networks. Connect with like-minded people across Europe, access valuable tools and resources, gain visibility for your activities (including in rural areas) – apply to the open call between 1 and 31 October 2024.

The Rural Health Compass will hold a series of online consultations with rural residents, rural civil society and NGOs between October and December 2024 to explore local community needs related to health and social care. Express your interest in participating in the consultations.

Discover the latest outputs of the LIFE-funded RENOVERTY project providing analysis and recommendations on reducing energy poverty and enhancing efficiency renovations in vulnerable rural districts across Central, Eastern and Southern Europe. Join the project’s webinar on 21 October on best practices of energy communities!

Exploring a set of tools for local empowerment, including Smart Villages, Community-led Local Development (CLLD) and ‘Village Pacts’, the publication identifies practical ways of reaching the grassroots and bringing the Rural Pact closer to citizens.

A new publication by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) assesses the resource endowments, institutional arrangements, stakeholder engagement, and outcomes of four European villages on their journey toward fostering innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems.

The EU-funded MOVING project has launched a policy roadmap and a set of policy briefs intended to advance the sustainability and resilience of Europe’s mountain regions. The roadmap sets out a strategic framework including 30 policy recommendations for creating a more favourable policy environment.

The publication compiles a range of 51 innovative practices tackling depopulation and young people outmigration in vulnerable regions across the EU.