European Commission Reports Progress in Strengthening Rural Europe

The European Commission has published a new report detailing the advances made under the EU’s long-term vision for rural areas, established to bolster rural communities’ strength, connectivity, resilience, and prosperity. Since its inception in 2021, the initiative has seen significant progress, with 30 planned actions across various policy domains, nine of which have already reached completion.

Key milestones include the launch of a rural revitalization platform, initiation of 60 rural research and innovation projects with a budget of €253 million, and the support of approximately 150 communities in creating smart villages. Financially, €23.5 billion has been earmarked in grants and loans for underserved regions, alongside improved rural connectivity through updated state aid rules. Efforts to enhance rural mobility, tourism, and energy communities have been complemented by the development of the social economy and increased data accessibility through the EU Rural Observatory.

The Rural Pact, introduced in 2021, has played a crucial role in fostering engagement at all governance levels, promoting knowledge exchange and collaboration among rural communities. The report emphasizes the ongoing need for dedicated action and continuity in policy implementation to achieve the overarching goals of the rural vision.

Looking ahead, the report evaluates contributions from the 2023-2027 CAP and Cohesion Policy, proposing reflections on future enhancements to EU policies and support mechanisms for rural areas. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to rural development, highlighting the intrinsic value of rural areas to Europe’s economic and cultural fabric.