"Rural Pact Community Newsletter" Newsletter Issues

Strategic Dialogue report calls for enhanced rural proofing and political support for EU rural areas (24/09/2024)

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.

‘Territorial development for the green transition’ – presentations and videos available online (25/09/2024)

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.

Join our new online groups on ‘innovating rural public policy’ and ‘rural depopulation and repopulation’ (25/09/2024)

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.

New batch of rural development Good Practices available online (24/09/2024)

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

LEADER’s impact on balanced territorial development – new Commission evaluation (25/09/2024)

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.

Collaborative, integrated approach necessary to achieve the green transition, scientific conference asserts (25/09/2024)

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.

Become an Ambassador for the European Climate Pact – apply by 31 October (25/09/2024)

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.

Consultation on rural healthcare needs in Europe – express your interest to participate (25/09/2024)

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.

Mitigating rural energy poverty and enhancing efficiency measures (25/09/2024)

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!

A compass for local empowerment in rural areas – new publication (25/09/2024)

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.

Start-up village case studies (25/09/2024)

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.

Policy recommendations on sustainable mountain development: new roadmap and policy briefs (25/09/2024)

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.

Toolkit: ‘Youth for Reviving (stagnating) EU territories’ (25/09/2024)

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

EU Climate Action Academy: Engaging citizens in climate action (01/10/2024)

online

2024 European LEADER Congress (02/10/2024)

In person

Launch of the European Policy Forum for women-led innovation (07/10/2024)

Online

EU Regions’ Week: Advancing the Rural Pact: Fostering local action for the future of rural areas (08/10/2024)

In person

European Climate Pact event on citizen-led climate action (08/10/2024)

Online

EU Regions’ Week: Taking the next step in shaping Europe’s rural future with the Long-term Vision for Rural Areas (09/10/2024)

In person

EU Regions' Week: Empowering rural areas through innovation and entrepreneurship (09/10/2024)

Brussels, Belgium

EU Regions' Week: Charting the course: Navigating competitiveness and convergence for Europe's regions (09/10/2024)

In person

EU Regions’ Week: Unlocking potential: LEADER & EU financial initiatives – bridging divides and empowering communities (10/10/2024)

In person

EU Regions' Week: Landscapes of change: the territorial dimension of demographic change and cohesion policy (10/10/2024)

In person

Just Transition Platform Conference (15/10/2024)

Hybrid

2024 European Mountain Convention: shaping the future of mountain economies (15/10/2024)

In person

From urban to rural: the power of community-driven building renovation actions for a climate-neutral Europe (21/10/2024)

Online

SMARTA-NET final conference : shaping the future of rural mobility (23/10/2024)

In person

Discover all upcoming events on the Rural Pact website (29/04/2024)

Visit the Rural Pact website

Political guidelines for the next European Commission (24/07/2024)

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was elected by the European Parliament for a second mandate on 18 July 2024 – discover her political guidelines, including on rural and regional development, for the next European Commission 2024-2029.

A new study on funding for EU rural areas (24/07/2024)

A new study, procured by the European Commission, examines the contribution of the common agricultural policy (CAP), as well as cohesion and fisheries policies in addressing the needs and actions outlined under the EU rural vision. It provides a forward-looking glance at the 2023-2027 CAP programmed measures and a set of recommendations to streamline the funding available to rural areas at EU, national, regional and local levels.

Join the debate on opportunities for rural communities in the green transition – sign up for our upcoming Policy Lab by 27 August (24/07/2024)

Don’t miss out on exchanging with policymakers and practitioners on ways of enhancing bottom-up approaches to the green transition – join our Policy Lab on 19 September 2024.

How can the Rural Pact bring tangible benefits to local communities? Find out in our latest report! (24/07/2024)

The report of our Policy Lab on ‘Bringing the Rural Pact closer to citizens’ is now available. It identifies key aspects that enable the Pact to add value at the local level, as well as policies and approaches to make it possible.

How can rural communities enhance their mobility options? Find inspiring solutions in our webinar report! (24/07/2024)

The highlights report of our Good Practice Webinar on ‘Enhancing rural mobility through local action' is now available online. It showcases lighthouse examples of developing smart mobility to support tourism, facilitate access to services, and strengthen territorial and social cohesion.

Connect with peers on key rural development topics of interest! (24/07/2024)

Are you a member of one of our online Community Groups? Take this opportunity to connect and exchange with peers on topics ranging from rural mobility to youth, and from migrants’ inclusion to Smart Villages. Become a member of our community platform and join the debate!

Don’t miss rural and local development events at the #EURegionsWeek! (24/07/2024)

Going to the European Week of Regions and Cities (EWRC) this year? Discover a wealth of events on rural and local development topics, taking place in Brussels between 7 and 10 October 2024.

LEADER potential for the rural vision and Pact – insights from the Rural Pact Support Office (24/07/2024)

Close cooperation between LEADER and the Rural Pact can generate mutual benefits and synergies for various stakeholders at local, national, and EU levels. We spoke with the CAP Network Contact Point about LEADER’s potential to boost the Rural Pact and help achieve the EU rural vision.

New video: EU rural vision support for broadband connectivity (24/07/2024)

Watch a short, new video outlining the actions that have taken place so far to reach the goals of the EU’s rural vision! Mario Milouchev, Director at the European Commission’s DG AGRI, outlines key initiatives relevant for digital connectivity in rural areas.

Tackling rural health inequalities in Europe: a new policy statement (24/07/2024)

The new EURIPA Lincoln Statement 2024 calls on European governments, policymakers and rural stakeholders to comprehensively address health services as well as the underlying, wider determinants of health in rural areas, such as poverty, education and connectivity. It outlines a set of recommendations to strengthen rural health and social care.

A Dutch Rural Pact network comes to life! (24/07/2024)

The new Rural Pact network in the Netherlands was launched with a first meeting on 4 June 2024, bringing together rural development stakeholders including: civil servants from various ministries, provinces and municipalities; academics; and national and local NGOs.

Local communities invited to shape mountain economies’ future at the 13th European Mountain Convention (24/07/2024)

Mountain stakeholders from all over Europe are invited to the 13th European Mountain Convention – 15-18 October, in Puigcerdà, Spain – to find appropriate solutions to socio-economic, demographic, and environmental transition challenges. Let’s shape the future of mountain economies together!

2024 ELARD cooperation awards – submit your project by 9 September (24/07/2024)

Have you implemented a cooperation project with one or more national or international partners in the 2014-2022 programming period? Apply for the 2024 ELARD (European LEADER Association for Rural Development) cooperation awards and get recognition at international level!

Cooperative tourism: a blueprint for the development of Monti Dauni, Italy (24/07/2024)

Cooperative tourism is a valuable tool for integrated development. A recent event in the rural Monti Dauni (Italy) highlighted its value for fostering collaboration between public and private sectors and involving local communities in managing tourism resources.

New European Bauhaus call for projects addressing local challenges – apply by 26 September 2024 (24/07/2024)

A new call for proposals within the framework of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) seeks to fund citizen-generated initiatives addressing challenges faced by cities, peri-urban and rural areas. Call topics of particular interest to rural stakeholders include climate, mobility, food and manufacturing.

Rural proofing: lessons from OECD countries and potential application to health (24/07/2024)

A new paper by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) explores how to develop more robust rural proofing models, with a focus on health. It proposes a roadmap for more effective rural proofing mechanisms to help embed this practice in governments’ policy space and culture.

New report overviews key trends and challenges in rural Flanders, Belgium (24/07/2024)

A new report produced by the Flemish Land Agency compiles data on demography, economy, land use, mobility, and local governance in rural Flanders. Overviewing societal issues, ranging from demographic shifts to economic dynamics, the report highlights the trends and challenges the region is facing.

Getting to services in towns and villages – new OECD study (24/07/2024)

A new report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) studies the interaction between geography and access to services to provide key insights for regional development policies and regions facing population decline.

Estonian Rural Parliament (17/08/2024)

In Person

Green transformation in the European rural areas (11/09/2024)

In Person

Territorial development for the green transition: Harnessing the potential of rural communities (19/09/2024)

Online

Finnish Rural Parliament (26/09/2024)

In Person

Territorial development for the green transition – sign up for our upcoming Policy Lab (25/06/2024)

Sign up to attend our upcoming Policy Action Lab on 19 September 2024 and discover key opportunities for rural communities to benefit from the green transition and enhance their territorial development tools. Express your interest to attend by 27 August.

Help shape future Rural Pact focus and activities – fill in our short survey (24/06/2024)

Help us identify key areas where the Rural Pact Support Office can offer enhanced support and networking opportunities to the Rural Pact and its community – fill in our short survey by 19 July 2024. The survey is available in 22 EU languages and takes approximately 10 minutes to complete – please share it with your networks! Your feedback will provide valuable insights to help shape the future of EU rural development policies and initiatives.

Local initiatives to enhance rural mobility showcased at recent Rural Pact webinar (24/06/2024)

Our Good Practice Webinar on rural mobility of 20 June 2024 highlighted the importance of understanding local communities’ needs and tailoring mobility solutions as much as possible. Discover the presentations and video recordings for practical local examples and approaches.

How to boost rural youth engagement? Discover successful initiatives in new webinar report (24/06/2024)

The highlights report of the Good Practice Webinar ‘Rural youth participation in policymaking' is now available online. It features a range of successful methods for youth engagement, based on various experiences of rural young people.

Discover 10 new, inspiring Good Practices in our database (24/06/2024)

Hot off the press! Discover a new set of 10 projects, tools and methodologies from across Europe on topics ranging from energy-efficient house renovations, to strengthening rural youth participation, to transforming rural regions through sustainable tourism.

Rural parliaments: key for the rural vision and Pact, Swedish Rural Parliament highlights (24/06/2024)

Rural parliaments are key platforms to encourage the implementation of the EU’s rural vision and important to effectively translate the Rural Pact at the national level. The Swedish and other rural parliaments present important opportunities for synergies and complementarities with Rural Pact initiatives – find out what!

MOVING final conference outlines future for mountain areas in post-2027 EU priorities (24/06/2024)

Mountains and mountain value chains play a key role in achieving EU political targets by 2030 and shaping the post-2027 political agenda. The debate on the future EU rural policy is already open and mountain stakeholders are encouraged to actively participate in the forthcoming public consultations.

Achieving resilient healthcare in rural areas (24/06/2024)

Unified political support and cooperation across various public administration departments are key to enhance access to health services in rural areas Patricia Martínez, policy analyst at the Rural Pact Support Office, emphasised at Interreg Europe’s webinar of 5 June 2024. Achieving collaboration among departments dealing with education, health, agriculture, and rural development is needed to prevent working in silos and ensure respective regulations are rural-proofed.

Rural innovation gets a gender boost through a new Community of Practice (24/06/2024)

The FLIARA project recently launched a Community of Practice and visibility campaign to support and accelerate women-led innovation in rural areas. The new Community, driven by 20 ambassadors, will enable networking and collaboration among key stakeholders, and share success stories of innovative women-led practices.

Enhancing resilience, social inclusion, and well-being in rural areas through social innovation (24/06/2024)

The new, EU-funded SERIGO project will work between 2024 and 2027 to enhance the resilience, social inclusion, and well-being of vulnerable groups in European rural areas through socially innovative solutions involving social economy actors.

Collection of innovative, EU-funded research results on cultural tourism (24/06/2024)

Discover a new set of resources on eight Horizon 2020 research projects that demonstrate the EU’s commitment to conserving Europe’s cultural heritage and transitioning to sustainable cultural tourism. The projects results include analysis and tools of particular relevance for rural, remote and peripheral areas.

Guidance on sustainable rural mobility (24/06/2024)

The EU-funded SMARTA-NET project has produced two guidance documents on enhanced rural mobility solutions, based on existing knowledge and practical experiences.

OECD paper assesses conditions for social innovation in rural areas (24/06/2024)

A new OECD paper identifies factors that can support social innovation in rural areas, provides guidance for policymakers, and proposes an approach to measure readiness and capacity to embark on rural social innovation.

Analysis of crowdfunding benefits for rural development in Spain (24/06/2024)

A new report by EUROCROWD highlights the potential of crowdfunding to transform Spanish rural areas by fostering innovation and community engagement. It further stresses the importance of supportive policies and infrastructure to sustain the benefits of these actions. The report is available in English and Spanish.

Rural energy poverty and energy efficiency across the EU – report and factsheets (24/06/2024)

A new publication by the LIFE-funded RENOVERTY project overviews the specific characteristics of EU rural areas regarding energy efficiency and energy poverty.

YouLeaders hackathon day: Youth community leaders in rural areas of Southwestern Europe project (01/07/2024)

9.00-17.00

European Rural Mobility Network: Sustainable tourism in rural areas and financing sources (03/07/2024)

This networking event will discuss ways of using available support to sustainable tourism in rural areas and suitable financing sources for investment

OECD workshop: The path to economic resilience in rural areas (10/07/2024)

15.00-16.30

European Rally 2024 - Care to Stay, Dare to Change (28/07/2024)

In Person

Estonian Rural Parliament (17/08/2024)

In Person

Green transformation in the European rural areas (11/09/2024)

In Person

Finnish Rural Parliament (26/09/2024)

In Person

EESC calls for inclusive decision-making in rural vision’s implementation (28/05/2024)

A new opinion by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) calls for enhanced governance frameworks, annual assessments, and targeted interventions in the implementation of the EU's rural vision. It highlights the need for a post-2027 rural development policy specifically dedicated to the implementation of the Rural Action Plan and recognising the significance of the Rural Pact.

Bringing the Rural Pact closer to citizens requires enhanced coordination and local capacity building (24/05/2024)

The Rural Pact Support Office Policy Action Lab of 22 May developed proposals to enhance the achievements of the Rural Vision and Pact objectives at the local level. Event participants worked together to identify the key ingredients for a successful implementation of the Rural Pact at the local level and approaches to make it happen.

Good Practice Webinar on Climate – highlights report now available (28/05/2024)

The highlights report of the Good Practice Webinar 'Rural communities tackling climate change' is now available online. It features a range of local practices across European rural areas, which successfully address climate issues.

European Rural Mobility Network meeting: Rural Pact adds value to addressing rural mobility challenges (28/05/2024)

The Rural Pact contributes to addressing rural mobility issues by bringing together and enabling collaboration among stakeholders working in various policy areas, such as tourism, health, education, and housing, which impact rural mobility. The Rural Pact Support Office Team Leader Pascale Van Doren highlighted the added value of the Pact at the fifth meeting of the European Rural Mobility Network of 14-16 May 2024 in Èvora, Portugal. Explore the latest Rural Pact resources on rural mobility, join the dedicated online community group and look out for the outcomes of our upcoming Good Practice Webinar 'Enhancing rural mobility through local action'.

SEA4NEB project final event highlights the role of social economy in rural development (28/05/2024)

The social economy is an effective tool for stimulating development and local participation in rural areas, as emphasised at the closing event of the ‘Social Economy Actors for the New European Bauhaus’ (SEA4NEB) project of 15 April 2024. Explore resources developed by the project, such as policy recommendations and local action plans. Discover the latest Rural Pact resources on the topic of social economy and join the dedicated online community group to connect and exchange with peers.

A new self-assessment tool for territorial and local development strategies (28/05/2024)

Do you work for a local authority, national or regional managing authority under the EU’s 2021-2027 cohesion policy? Try the new SAT4TER tool to assess your integrated territorial development strategy and benefit from peer-reviews, benchmarking, and dissemination activities.

Meet the rural winners of the 2024 New European Bauhaus Prizes (28/05/2024)

The laureates in the 2024 edition of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) Prizes were announced on 12 April at an award ceremony in Brussels – discover the winning projects dealing with rural topics.

Empowering rural areas through cooperative and circular business models (28/05/2024)

The BRILIAN project works between 2023 and 2027 to facilitate a transition to bio-based economies in rural areas by integrating primary producers into the supply chain, aligning with the Common Agricultural Policy, the Green Deal, and the European Bioeconomy Strategy.

Tools assessing the vulnerability of European mountain regions (28/05/2024)

The MOVING project (MOuntain Valorisation through INterconnectedness and Green growth) recently launched a set of tools assessing the regional vulnerability of 23 mountain regions across Europe in the aim of boosting their sustainability in the face of climate change.

European rural youth observatory (28/05/2024)

A new online observatory will bring together rural youth stakeholders and serve as an open-access repository of research data, methodological tools and best-practices concerning rural NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training).

Online space for regional development policy exchange and knowledge (28/05/2024)

Discover an online platform for regional development policy advice, knowledge sharing and networking, brought to you by Interreg Europe. Sign up to become a community member and learn from peer advice on policy challenges and discover tried and tested policy solutions, including some targeted to rural areas.

Cohesion policy driving development in rural areas: project examples (28/05/2024)

A new publication by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy provides examples of projects showcasing the long-lasting impact of Cohesion policy on the ground.

Innovation for place-based transformations: collection of activities, practices and tools (28/05/2024)

A recent publication by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) calls for interterritorial collaboration, network governance and coordinated policy action to enable efforts at the local, regional and national levels in order to achieve long-term societal wellbeing and climate resilient development.

New EU research and innovation funding for the green and digital transitions (28/05/2024)

The European Commission has mobilised previously unallocated Horizon Europe funding to increase the 2024 budget of the EU's research and innovation programme by nearly EUR 1.4 billion. The amendment features opportunities for green and digital development in rural areas.

Call for proposals for interregional cooperation projects, deadline 7 June (28/05/2024)

Last days to apply to Interreg Europe’s third call for proposals for interregional cooperation projects gathering policy-relevant organisations from across Europe to work jointly on a common regional development issue.

Call for smart rural communities and services, deadline 28 June (28/05/2024)

The Horizon-funded AURORAL project is seeking to fund initiatives that use digitalisation for improving rural areas in aspects such as economical growth and social wellbeing or for overcoming the digital divide between rural and urban areas.

Call for tenders: Advisory hub for citizen energy, deadline 14 June (28/05/2024)

A new call for tenders by the European Commission’s Directorate General for Energy seeks to assist the set-up or facilitation of citizen-led energy projects through technical, organisational, administrative and outreach support. The deadline for submitting tenders is 14 June 2024.

Rural innovation ecosystems (30/05/2024)

Rural innovation ecosystems

Resilient healthcare in rural areas (05/06/2024)

Resilient healthcare in rural areas

No net land take trajectories: policies and practices across Europe (05/06/2024)

No net land take trajectories: policies and practices across Europe

Young LEADER Forum (11/06/2024)

Young LEADER Forum

European Sustainable Energy Week 2024 (11/06/2024)

This event will bring together public authorities, private companies, NGOs and consumers to promote initiatives accelerating decarbonisation through green technologies and solutions towards a fair and just transition for people and competitive businesses.

‘MOVING’ project final conference (13/06/2024)

‘MOVING’ project final conference

Fifth edition of FI Campus 2024 conference (25/06/2024)

The fifth edition of the ‘FI Campus’ flagship fi-compass event will provide practical know-how and learning tools on financial instruments under EU shared management.

Good Practice Webinar: 'Enhancing rural mobility through local action' (20/06/2024)

Good Practice Webinar: 'Enhancing rural mobility through local action'

Agricultural and Rural Inspiration Awards 2024: apply now! (29/04/2024)

The annual competition of the CAP Network is now open for submissions. It seeks to reward the greenest, smartest, most socially inclusive, innovative and resilient Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) projects implemented at the local level. Apply through your National Network by 25 July!

Call for speakers at the European Mountain Convention (29/04/2024)

Euromontana is looking for mountain stakeholders from across Europe to share their initiatives – local policy, project, study, methodology, tool – at the XIII European Mountain Convention on 15-18 October 2024 in Puigcerdà, Catalonia, Spain.

A new survey on women’s access to health services in rural Europe (29/04/2024)

A survey by the Rural Health Compass – a social enterprise working to improve rural communities’ access to healthcare and other services – seeks to identify rural women’s experiences with access to health services.

LIFE programme 2024 calls for proposals: bring your green dream to life! (29/04/2024)

The LIFE programme – EU’s flagship initiative for funding environmental and climate actions – launched its 2024 calls for proposals on 18 April 2024, with a total budget of € 571 million. Proposal submission deadlines are throughout September 2024.

Advancing local and regional climate resilience – new call deadline: 6 May (29/04/2024)

This first call of the Pathways2Resilience project will provide 40 regions and communities with financial support of up to EUR 210 000, along with support services and capacity building, assisting them in becoming climate resilient. Apply by 6 May 2024!

Analysing Eurosceptic voting patterns in rural areas (29/04/2024)

A new study commissioned by the European Committee of the Regions’ Commission for Natural Resources analyses Eurosceptic voting patterns and identifies possible explanations for voter discontent in rural areas.

New report on environmental risks linked to rural demographic challenges (29/04/2024)

Rural areas need comprehensive policies that address their multifaceted challenges through a multi-level approach to tackle environmental risks related to demographic challenges, a new thematic report by the ‘Down to Earth’ project highlights.

Tourism and rural development – a new study (29/04/2024)

A new study, co-authored by the European Committee of the Regions and the UN World Tourism Organization, examines the significant impact and potential of tourism in fostering socio-economic development in rural areas.

Rural women in social green entrepreneurship – training materials available (29/04/2024)

The ERASMUS+ project ‘WE GREEN’ recently concluded its activities – explore a range of practical education and training resources to foster social green entrepreneurship among women in rural communities.

Metropolitan Innovation Summit (06/05/2024)

This event, organised by METREX (The Network of European Metropolitan Regions and Areas), will showcase technological innovations in metropolitan areas and exchange on the role of metropolises as places for social innovation initiation.

MOVING webinar: ‘Towards a policy roadmap for vibrant mountain economies’ (08/05/2024)

This webinar, organised by the MOVING project, will overview trends and proposals likely to govern the post-2027 policy developments in the EU’s mountain areas. The project will unveil its proposal for strategic options and a policy roadmap to ensure that rural and mountain areas are not excluded from EU’s future policy development.

European Rural Mobility Network: Evaluation analysis, findings and preliminary recommendations (14/05/2024)

This is the fifth meeting of the European rural mobility network, organised within the framework of the SMARTA-NET project.

Global forum on modern direct democracy (15/05/2024)

The 2024 edition of the world's largest conference on direct democracy will bring together academia, policymakers and civil society activists and organisations to discuss trust in institutions, media, and citizens, all of essential importance to democratic governance.

METREX Spring Conference 2024 (15/05/2024)

This conference, organised by METREX (The Network of European Metropolitan Regions and Areas), will open a discussion with the network’s members on the urgent planning issues around the future of European metropolitan regions and areas in view of challenges such as climate change, finite resources, and wealth disparities.

Bringing the Rural Pact closer to citizens – Rural Pact Policy Lab (22/05/2024)

Bringing the Rural Pact closer to citizens – Rural Pact Policy Lab

Renovation Roadmaps: transforming Europe’s building landscape to leave no one behind (22/05/2024)

This event will shed a spotlight on renovation roadmaps, emphasising the need for these communication instruments to be thoughtfully designed to accelerate renovations to tackle energy poverty on a large scale.

Building sustainable and resilient territories (23/05/2024)

The 18th edition of this international event on ‘Overarching issues of the European area’ will showcase the important role of science and academia in questioning, debating and trying to provide strategies and solutions to mitigate the multiple problems that the world faces today.

Swedish Rural Parliament (24/05/2024)

The 2024 edition of the biennial Swedish Rural Parliament is organised under the headline ‘Towards a Balanced Country – in a New Era’. It will bring together policymakers, practitioners, representatives from rural movements in other countries, entrepreneurs and scientists.

26th International Conference: Tourism and rural space in national and international context (25/05/2024)

This conference will discuss best practice in tourism at national, European, and global levels, on a variety of topics ranging from rural development, agritourism and sustainable tourism, to cross-border cooperation and economic growth.

Entrepreneurship in rural areas with population decline (29/05/2024)

This interactive workshop will reflect on the design of effective methods to promote entrepreneurship in rural areas, inspired by a series a keynote speeches and presentations of good practices.

The Rural Pact community goes online (23/04/2024)

Are you a member of our online community? Sign up to get exclusive opportunities to network, discuss specific topics with peers and translate the Rural Pact into concrete actions.

‘Enhancing rural mobility through local action’ – sign up for our upcoming webinar (29/04/2024)

Join our upcoming Good Practice Webinar on 20 June 2024 and discover inspiring examples of developing smart mobility in and between rural areas and improving accessibility with peri-urban areas. Express your interest to attend by 17 May 2024.

Rural youth participation in policymaking – presentations and recordings now online (29/04/2024)

Explore the presentations and video recordings from our Good Practice Webinar of 24 April 2024 on successful methods of youth engagement based on the experiences of rural young people.

Rural Pact Coordination Group encourages government commitments to the Pact (29/04/2024)

The third meeting of the Rural Pact Coordination Group (RPCG) of 16 April 2024 discussed ways of encouraging regional and national governments to commit to the EU rural vision and Rural Pact by implementing concrete actions.

What can be done to make Smart Villages happen? (29/04/2024)

The final conference of the Smart Rural 27 project of 19 March 2024 discussed support mechanisms for effective Smart Village implementation in the future. The wealth of knowledge collected throughout the project's lifespan, including analytical work on CAP and other policies, and lessons from the Pilot European Smart Villages Observatory provided the basis for reflection.

Peer review on integrated development strategies in non-urban areas: apply by 2 May (29/04/2024)

Apply to take part in a peer review for local authorities to receive insights and tailored advice from European peers and experts on how to improve the development and implementation of their 2021-2027 territorial strategies.

Mid-term evaluation of cohesion policy programmes 2021-2027 – have your say (29/04/2024)

Contribute to the mid-term evaluation of 2021-2027 cohesion policy programmes financed under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Cohesion Fund and Just Transition Fund (JTF) – fill in this short survey. Respondents have the opportunity to evaluate aspects relevant for rural areas, such as digitalisation, climate action, mobility and inclusion.

New pilot action on circular rural regions (29/04/2024)

A new pilot action will explore regional approaches to the circular economy and develop and implement strategic concepts in European rural areas. Initiated by Germany within the Territorial Agenda 2030 framework, the pilot will involve regions that have already taken initial steps in the field through a pan-European exchange of good practices.

‘The long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas: key achievements and ways forward’ (27/03/2024)

The European Commission adopted its report on the implementation of the EU’s rural vision today, 27 March 2024. The document takes stock of the actions that have been carried out since the publication of the Commission Communication in June 2021.

‘Rural youth participation in policymaking’ – sign up for our upcoming webinar (25/03/2024)

Join our upcoming Good Practice Webinar on 24 April 2024, and discover effective practices, policies and tools for improving rural youth engagement in decision-making processes at the local, national, and EU levels. Express your interest to attend by 5 April 2024.

Rural communities tackling climate change – presentations and recordings now online (25/03/2024)

Explore the presentations and video recordings from our Good Practice Webinar of 20 March 2024 on ways in which rural communities can help anticipate and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Online space for exchange on rural youth and mobility – join our new Community Groups (25/03/2024)

Are you working on initiatives related to empowering rural youth or improving rural mobility? We offer you an online space for pan-European exchanges on each topic – sign up to join or new Community Groups!

Explore our latest good practices (25/03/2024)

Discover 10 new, inspiring projects, tools and methodologies from across Europe. The new additions to our good practice database cover a wide range of topics, from empowering rural women through green social entrepreneurship, mobile healthcare in rural areas, to improved management of forest resources and more.

A new roadmap for social economy in the EU (25/03/2024)

The new Liège Roadmap, signed by representatives of 24 EU Member State governments on 12 February 2024, confirms the importance of the social economy on political agendas. It proposes a set of commitments to boost the participation of social economy actors in private-public partnerships, ease their access to finance and increase social economy visibility.

Call for local actions responding to climate change - deadline approaching (25/03/2024)

Are you actively involved in addressing climate challenges within your community? Get expert, on-the-ground support for your project – apply to the call of the Communities for Climate initiative by 3 April 2024.

Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture (25/03/2024)

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen launched on 25 January 2024 a new forum mandated to shape a shared vision for the future of EU's farming and food system. Discover how the dialogue will go about its work, what will be its main focus, and when it will present its conclusions – listen to the latest episode of the Food for Europe podcast.

A new Slovak ‘Vision for more attractive rural areas’ (25/03/2024)

Slovakia has developed its first national ‘Vision for more attractive rural areas’, complementary to the EU’s Rural Vision. The Slovak Vision is a result of an inclusive consultation process involving over 1 000 stakeholders in 15 co-design stages, highlighting the need for continuous stakeholder involvement in policy design and implementation.

The 2024 REGIOSTARS competition is open! (25/03/2024)

Have an inspiring project to share? Apply to the 2024 REGIOSTARS competition by 31 May – take the opportunity to showcase your practice and get recognition at the European level.

New report on the future of Cohesion Policy (25/03/2024)

A group of independent high-level experts calls for a stronger Cohesion Policy post 2027, setting out strategic conclusions and recommendations in a report published in February 2024.

Growing climate risks endanger EU food, health, economy, warns new report (25/03/2024)

Climate risks are threatening Europe’s food and energy security, ecosystems, infrastructure, water resources, financial stability, and people’s health. A new assessment by the European Environment Agency provides a basis to help identify policy priorities for climate change adaptation and for climate-sensitive sectors.

New publication on vulnerable rural youth social development and inclusion (25/03/2024)

A new book by the Rural NEET Youth Network examines challenges of young people categorised as Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEET), discusses existing support systems and informs policy frameworks related to education, employment, and social welfare in rural areas.

New European Bauhaus Festival (09/04/2024)

New European Bauhaus Festival

Seasonal and migrant workers in agri-food value chains (10/04/2024)

This event will explore the living and working conditions of migrant workers in European agriculture in the aim of developing a strategic approach to address challenges, such as abuses or insufficient access to basic services, in a systematic and forward-looking way.

Ninth Cohesion Forum (11/04/2024)

This event will bring together a diverse range of stakeholders to reflect on the important role that cohesion policy plays in improving the well-being of all people living in Europe. At a time of important climate, technological, demographic and geopolitical developments, the EU cohesion policy needs to evolve to meet the ambitious objective of making Europe's regions more resilient, competitive and inclusive, embracing the green and digital transitions, and improving opportunities for all European citizens.

Rural Pact Coordination Group: third meeting (16/04/2024)

Rural Pact Coordination Group: third meeting

Women-led innovations in agriculture and rural areas (17/04/2024)

This workshop, organised by the EU CAP Network, will exchange knowledge, identify successful initiatives and projects led by female innovators, and provide networking opportunities in the aim of empowering women in farming and rural areas.

COCOREADO project final conference: Building a sustainable food future together (23/04/2024)

The final conference of the COCOREADO project will discuss key project outcomes and approaches to rebalancing the position of the farmer as an individual actor, key player in innovative food supply chains, and supplier for public procurement.

Good Practice Webinar: ‘Rural youth participation in policymaking’ (24/04/2024)

Good Practice Webinar: ‘Rural youth participation in policymaking’

XX European Rural Development Network Conference ‘Green transformation in the European rural areas’ – register by 1 June 2024 (11/09/2024)

XX European Rural Development Network Conference ‘Green transformation in the European rural areas’

2024 European LEADER Congress (02/10/2024)

2024 European LEADER Congress

2024 European Mountain Convention: shaping the future of mountain economies (15/10/2024)

2024 European Mountain Convention: shaping the future of mountain economies

Andalusia officialises its commitment to the Rural Pact (27/02/2024)

The Regional Government of Andalusia (es. Junta de Andalucía), Spain, officialised its commitment to support the 10 shared goals of the EU's Rural Vision and the European Rural Pact on 19 February 2024. Andalusia has formally committed by engaging to design its regional rural vision ‘Rural Development Strategy of Andalusia – Horizon 2030’.

‘Bringing the Rural Pact closer to citizens’ – sign up for our upcoming Policy Lab (27/02/2024)

Join our upcoming Policy Lab on 22 May 2024 and help to identify key ingredients for a successful implementation of the Rural Pact at the local level! Exchange on and analyse inspiring local initiatives and approaches.

A new rural toolkit on EU funding (27/02/2024)

Good news for rural areas: the new rural toolkit on EU funding is now available! Identify funding opportunities enabling the revitalisation of your rural area; explore a range of practical examples and effective approaches; and browse through resources providing practical guidance and knowledge.

Rural Vision Magazine now available in French and German (27/02/2024)

Read the first edition of the Rural Vision Magazine in French and German, and share it with your network. This inaugural edition collects a range of stories and testimonials to inspire and drive progress in implementing the rural vision.

‘EU funds paving the way to the rural vision’ – report and videos online! (27/02/2024)

Explore the video recordings and highlights report from our dedicated Policy Lab! Discover a range of possible orientations for enhanced support and financing for rural areas, including through innovative ways of mobilising and combining different funding opportunities.

New call for local actions responding to climate change (29/02/2024)

Are you actively involved in addressing climate challenges within your community? Get expert, on-the-ground support for your project – apply to the call of the Communities for Climate initiative by 3 April 2024.

Improving life in rural communities through social and technological innovation (27/02/2024)

A new EU-funded project – RURBANIVE – will work between 2024 and 2027 to establish a novel rural-urban innovation framework, supported by technical and social innovations in order to enhance territorial governance and existing policy tools.

Conversations on sustainable mountains – a new podcast series (27/02/2024)

Gain valuable insights into possible ways of innovating mountain territories in order to make them more resilient to climate change and other threats – listen to the podcast episodes of the ‘MOVING’ (MOuntain Valorisation through INterconnectedness and Green Growth) project.

Renewable energy production and potential in EU rural areas (27/02/2024)

A new publication by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) provides insights into how rural areas and communities can contribute to and benefit from the EU’s green energy transition, without undermining natural areas, biodiversity and food production.

Rural areas and rural policies in Europe – a comparative study (27/02/2024)

A recent publication by the National Agency for Territorial Cohesion (ANCT) studies rural policies and funding across Germany, Spain, Poland, Ireland, Estonia, and provides a comparative analysis with France.

Empowering young citizens’ involvement in the transition towards sustainable food systems (27/02/2024)

A recent policy brief by the Horizon 2020 COCOREADO project sets out recommendations to involve, educate, connect and empower young citizens’ participation in food systems decision-making and development processes.

Policy and research recommendations for rural areas (27/02/2024)

The EU-funded project SHERPA recently published two sets of recommendations – for policy and research – to help rural areas address potential challenges and unlock existing and future opportunities.

Climate change in mountain areas (27/02/2024)

A new study produced by Euromontana and commissioned by the National Agency for Territorial Cohesion (ANCT) analyses policies and practices of climate adaptation in water and tourism management in mountain areas.

Rural Revival: empowered communities and sustainable energy in a changing climate (01/03/2024)

This event will put the spotlight on rural areas and their challenges and opportunities for achieving a clean and just energy transition.

Climate Pact annual event (05/03/2024)

The Climate Pact’s annual conference will bring together Pact ambassadors and partners for a day of networking, interactive workshops and panel discussions on new ways to take climate action.

Rural young people: Alternative futures for more hopeful rural societies (12/03/2024)

The final event of the Rural NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) Youth Network will discuss pathways for rural young people’s social inclusion and participation, while improving educational attainment and employment prospects.

European Rural Mobility Network: Enhancing rural mobility & tourism through data-driven solutions (13/03/2024)

The fourth meeting of the European rural mobility network, organised within the framework of the SMARTA-NET project, will offer training modules on rural mobility, specifically designed for municipalities and local stakeholders.

Final conference of the Smart Rural 27 project (18/03/2024)

This event will disseminate the knowledge and outcomes related to the creation of an effective Smart Villages support framework, developed by the Smart Rural 27 project to a wide range of stakeholders and discuss future support needs.

Tenth European Summit of Regions and Cities (18/03/2024)

This event will bring together mayors, councillors, regional ministers and top European and global decisionmakers to debate the challenges and solutions for the future of Europe and beyond.

‘MOVING’ project scientific conference (19/03/2024)

This conference will focus on the environmental challenges and prospects for sustainable mountain regions, exploring the transformative power of mountains and their value chains in shaping resilient and sustainable futures.

Good Practice Webinar: 'Rural communities tackling climate change' (20/03/2024)

This webinar will explore ways in which local communities can help anticipate and mitigate the impacts of climate change in rural areas, and adapt to those changes that are inevitable.

Bringing the Rural Pact closer to citizens (22/05/2024)

This Policy Action Lab, organised by the Rural Pact Support Office, will develop proposals on enhancing the achievement of the Rural Vision and Pact objectives at the local level.

Rural Toolkit on EU Funding launch event – sign up to attend online! (30/01/2024)

Don’t miss the launch event of the new Rural Toolkit on EU Funding on 6 February. Gain insights into EU funding programmes that support the initiatives of local authorities, institutions, businesses and individuals in rural areas. Register to attend online!

Rural communities tackling climate change (30/01/2024)

Join our Good Practice Webinar on 20 March 2024 to discuss ways in which local communities can help anticipate and mitigate the impacts of climate change in rural areas, and adapt to those changes that are inevitable. Express your interest by 15 February.

The Rural Pact and LEADER: mutually reinforcing instruments (15/01/2024)

How can the EU Rural Vision and Rural Pact strengthen LEADER? And what is the added value LEADER can bring to the Pact’s implementation at the local level? Explore the outcomes of our session at the LEADER Congress of December 2023.

Our Good Practice database is now fully searchable (30/01/2024)

Browse through and get inspired by projects, policies, case studies, tools and methodologies that contribute to rural revitalisation and the objectives of the Rural Pact. Have an exciting example to share? Contact us at info@rural-pact.eu.

New resources on access to health services in rural areas (17/01/2024)

The video recordings and highlights report of our dedicated Good Practice webinar are now online! Discover an overview of policies, tools and mobile, digital, or community-based solutions for improving access to health.

The Rural Pact: A committed community (30/01/2024)

The Rural Pact Community is proposing specific, voluntary actions that contribute to achieving the ten shared goals of the EU’s Rural Vision. Everyone is welcome to contribute and no action is too small. Find out who has committed, what actions are proposed and what topics are addressed.

Stronger LEADER/CLLD: important to achieving EU’s rural vision (15/01/2024)

Discover highlights and key messages from the recent LEADER Congress, including the resulting Declaration on ‘LEADER and CLLD within European policies post 2027’. The Congress called for strengthening the role of the approach, developing new financial resources for its implementation, as well as simplifying access to funds.

Developing a definition of functional rural areas in the EU (18/01/2024)

A recent paper by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) proposes a methodology for the definition of functional rural areas in the EU and seeks feedback on the method and results.

How to foster the implementation of the long-term vision for EU's rural areas? (17/01/2024)

A recent European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) hearing emphasised the role of enhanced access to financing and effective governance in shaping sustainable rural development. Stakeholder inputs will feed into the preparation of an upcoming EESC opinion ‘Towards a European Rural Agenda’.

A call on all Dutch members of the Rural Pact community to connect (08/01/2024)

Mr Ben van Essen of the European Rural Community Alliance (ERCA) and member of the Rural Pact Coordination Group calls on all Dutch members of the Rural Pact community to connect and identify ways of supporting each other.

Greening agrifood in social economy (22/01/2024)

New capacity-building opportunities for social economy SMEs in the agrifood sector: the new GRAINS project is working to provide support in the transition towards sustainable and environmentally friendly practices and production processes. Look out for upcoming opportunities!

Tools4CAP inventory of methods and tools (24/01/2024)

A new database developed by the Tools4CAP project brings together a comprehensive collection of existing methods and tools used for the design, implementation and monitoring of the 2023-2027 CAP Strategic Plans in the aim of supporting their implementation.

Call for researchers on current challenges in rural areas (22/01/2024)

The Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) is currently looking for postdoctoral researchers in any of the disciplines taught at the University, including rurality. Interested candidates should apply by 16 February 2024. For more information, please contact Ms. Soledad Morales Pérez, Coordinator of the UOC Rural Network, at: smoralespe@uoc.edu.

A five-point plan for Europe’s heartlands (23/01/2024)

A recent publication by the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies outlines a five-point plan to place local communities at the heart of EU policies, calling for bottom-up rural development.

Joining forces for rural areas to improve services of general interest (18/01/2024)

Discover the final publication of the pilot action ‘A future for lagging regions’ of the Territorial Agenda 2030. It explores cooperative regional and local development as contributing factors for the long-term improvement of services such as digitalisation, mobility, health and local supply in rural and peripheral areas.

Opportunities for policy support for just green transitions (22/01/2024)

A new policy brief by Nordregio – a leading Nordic research institute – addresses the challenges and opportunities of the green transition in Nordic rural areas, emphasising the need for more fair approaches.

Key figures on the European food chain (29/01/2024)

A new publication by Eurostat, the EU’s statistical office, provides an overview of the EU’s food chain, from primary production through to consumption and environmental aspects related to the various stages of the food chain.

Horizon Europe funding opportunities – deadline approaching (23/01/2024)

The calls for research and innovation projects under Horizon Europe’s ‘Food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture and environment’ cluster are closing on 22 February 2024.

Rural Toolkit on EU Funding launch event (06/02/2024)

Follow the launch event of the Rural Toolkit on EU funding - a new online dashboard of funding opportunities for rural development.

Letter to the Community (19/12/2023)

Dear community, As we close the first year of the activities of the Rural Pact Support Office, we would like to wish you a very happy holiday season! This remarkable year, filled with webinars, policy labs and a prestigious high-level rural policy forum in Sigüenza (Spain), has seen our community grow to 2 150 members, with an impressive 121 commitments to the Pact. The new Rural Pact Community Platform has become a reference point for networking, information sharing and collaboration. It hosts valuable information and resources, including our first policy briefing, the Rural Vision magazine and 40 inspiring good practices. It is already home to six community groups, driven by your enthusiasm for generating spaces for exchange and knowledge sharing to make rural areas thrive. This year has also seen the establishment of the Rural Pact Coordination Group, chaired by Radim Sršeň and Edina Ocsko, bringing depth and direction to our collaboration. As we look ahead to the second year, our intention is to make it as inspiring and fruitful as the first one. May the festive season bring warmth and joy. All the best, The Rural Vision team

The first Rural Vision Magazine is out! Empowering rural Europe (18/12/2023)

This inaugural edition provides you with stories to drive progress in implementing the rural vision. It highlights the political achievements of 2023, browses through the first year of activities of the RPSO and the progress made in areas such as depopulation, digital education, energy transition and social entrepreneurship.

Get inspired by 20 new Good Practices of the Rural Pact! (18/12/2023)

We are thrilled to share 20 new, inspiring good practices from across the EU. The practices showcase innovative approaches to rural development, encouraging Rural Pact Community members to learn from successful examples and implement similar solutions in their own regions.

Policy Briefing: Making the Rural Pact happen in EU Member States – now available in all EU languages (18/12/2023)

The Policy Briefing outlines the key ingredients needed to mobilise stakeholders around the Rural Pact and foster concerted action towards meeting the objectives of the long-term vision. It further outlines inspiring examples of how these elements can be put into practice.

Rural areas in the energy transition – Good Practice webinar report and videos (18/12/2023)

Explore the outputs from our recent webinar to discover solutions to boost the energy transition in rural areas. The event, jointly organised with the Covenant of Mayors – Europe, intended to build participants’ capacity in designing and implementing high-quality projects aligned with rural needs.

Enhancing access to health services in rural areas – discover practices presented at the webinar (18/12/2023)

Discover EU-level initiatives and get inspired by local experiences aiming at improving access to health services in rural areas, as well as attracting and retaining healthcare workforce.

'EU Funds Paving the Way to the Rural Vision' Policy Lab – presentations now available (18/12/2023)

The presentations from our second Policy Lab outline essential elements of resource development and funding strategies. Get inspired by examples improving existing funding methods and discover recommendations for mobilising support for rural areas.

Harnessing Talent Platform – a new EU tool that can help combat rural depopulation (18/12/2023)

The European Commission has launched the Harnessing Talent Platform, a key tool to help national, regional and local authorities address the demographic change.

The latest around the EU’s long-term vision, Rural Pact and Rural Funding Toolkit (18/12/2023)

A recent event, organised by the European Rural Community Alliance (ERCA), explored the state of play of the Rural Pact, the Rural Funding Toolkit and other useful tools related to the implementation of the EU’s long-term vision for rural areas.

Agriculture and Rural Inspiration Awards (ARIA) 2023 - discover the winners and finalists (18/12/2023)

The 5th edition of the ARIA 2023 celebrated the most inspiring rural development initiatives co-funded by the EU. With 13,000 votes, this edition marked the most successful competition to date. Discover these projects!

Are you the next Climate Pact Partner? (18/12/2023)

Is your organisation dedicated to fighting climate change and contributing to a sustainable future? Apply by 5 January to become a European Climate Pact Partner and get access to a diverse network committed to climate action and policy progress across the EU.

Rural connectivity in the spotlight at the Broadband Competence Offices annual conference (18/12/2023)

The 2023 European Broadband Competence Offices (BCOs) Network annual conference offered an opportunity for knowledge sharing and exchange of good practices. It reflected on the challenges, expectations, support needs and barriers to broadband deployment in rural areas.

Rural residents spend more on personal transport equipment (18/12/2023)

People living in rural areas spent a higher proportion of their total household expenditure on the operation of personal transport equipment in 2020 according to Eurostat.

Recommendations for the development of future rural policies (18/12/2023)

The Horizon 2020 SHERPA project developed a set of recommendations for future rural policies, structured around the Rural Vision’s four blocks of action. This is the result of work and dialogue within the project’s Multi-Actor Platforms and partners, and debated at EU-level conferences.

dRural project – new calls for digital solutions (18/12/2023)

The dRural project has launched two new calls to create and implement collaborative digital solutions. The Call for simple services in Extremadura (ES) seeks service providers in the region’s rural areas and the Call for ‘mirror regions’ offers the opportunity to replicate the dRural platform in applicants’ regions.

EU launches a call to overcome the 'talent development trap' in regions (18/12/2023)

The European Commission is calling on regions experiencing the effects of a departing younger population to apply for technical assistance before 7 February 2024. Up to ten regions will receive support to attract, retain and develop talent.

Mental health and well-being of farmers, International Policy Seminar (25/01/2024)

SafeHabitus, the Horizon Europe project on the safety and health & working conditions of Europe´s farmers will hold its 1st International Policy Seminar on “Mental health and well-being of farmers” on 25th January in the European Parliament in Brussels.

États Généraux des Pôles Territoriaux et des Pays 2024 (01/02/2024)

The next États Généraux des Pôles territoriaux et Pays will be held in La Rochelle on 1 and 2 February 2024. This event is entirely dedicated to the issues encountered on a daily basis by those involved in local development, be they elected representatives, technicians or their partners.

Toolkit launch event (06/02/2024)

Toolkit launch event – 6/02/2024

The Council of the EU adopts its conclusions on the rural vision (28/11/2023)

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.

New leadership for the Rural Pact Coordination Group (28/11/2023)

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.

New policy briefing: Ingredients to make the Rural Pact happen in Member States (28/11/2023)

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.

High-level Rural Policy Forum - Highlights report is out! (28/11/2023)

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.

Good Practice Webinar on energy transition: presentations available (28/11/2023)

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.

Opportunities and challenges for remote rural areas in the European Union (29/11/2023)

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 Logroño Declaration for thriving and vibrant rural areas (28/11/2023)

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.

France launches the High-level Institute of Rural Studies (28/11/2023)

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.

Harnessing skills in rural areas: the role of local and regional governments (28/11/2023)

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.

Celebrating excellence in Rural Development: vote for Agricultural and Rural Inspiration Awards 2023 by 1st December (28/11/2023)

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.

Mountain actors convene in Hungary to forge pathways for sustainable value chains (28/11/2023)

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).

Discover the new Good Practices on energy transition and more (28/11/2023)

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 costs and benefits of the implementation of LEADER - A new evaluation study just published (28/11/2023)

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.

Eurostat Regional Yearbook 2023 is now available (28/11/2023)

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.

Empowering Nordic rural youth: A pathway to revitalisation (28/11/2023)

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.

Employment in agriculture, forestry and fishing (28/11/2023)

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.

Setting up and maintaining rural energy communities. New guidance out! (28/11/2023)

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.

A Guide for Inclusive community engagement in local planning and decision making (28/11/2023)

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.

New funding for sustainable energy projects for local authorities (28/11/2023)

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.

ARIA 2023 Awards Ceremony | 04 December 2023 (28/11/2023)

04 December 2023

Food 2030 conference: Green and Resilient Food Systems | 04-05 December 2023 (28/11/2023)

04-05 December 2023

CBE JU Stakeholder Forum 2023 | 05-06 December 2023 (28/11/2023)

05-06 December 2023

EU Agri-Food Days | 05-08 December 2023 (28/11/2023)

05-08 December 2023

EU funds paving the way to the rural vision | 14 December 2023 (28/11/2023)

14 December 2023

2023 European LEADER Congress | 18-19 December 2023 (28/11/2023)

18-19 December 2023

États Généraux des Pôles Territoriaux et des Pays 2024 | 01- 02 February 2024 (30/11/2023)

01- 02 February 2024