The 9th NRNs’ Meeting (15-17 November 2017 – Nicosia, Cyprus) discussed joining up activities and launching innovative networking tools with and through the ENRD, and was followed by a workshop on social inclusion in rural areas. 

Network representatives from 21 countries agreed on simplified formats for collecting network statistics and exchanging on thematic initiatives, as well as on the future approach to identifying and presenting good practice examples. They further progressed joint projects and networking tools related to innovation, rural proofing, and communication. 

The linked event on social inclusion underlined that unemployment and poverty are at the base of exclusion, with some groups such as migrants, the elderly or Roma particularly affected. Participants identified innovative practices to promote inclusion and suggested actions for attracting young people to rural areas, strengthening entrepreneurial capacities, improving the perception about rural areas, and better communicating rural attractiveness.