The European Commission launched on 11 April 2017 an ‘EU action for Smart Villages’, announcing a series of initiatives within the rural development, regional development, research, transport, energy, and digital policies and funds.

The document outlines a process of reflection on ‘villages of the future’ and the need to bring different programmes together in order to build strategic approaches to promoting ‘smart villages’, including support for knowledge, investments and connectivity. Specific actions include exchange platforms, funding opportunities, capacity-building activities, events, thematic work, and research projects.