Rural Pact Coordination Group (RPCG)
The Rural Pact Coordination Group (RPCG) was established in June 2023 as part of the governance framework of the Rural Pact, contributing to the implementation of the long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas (LTVRA). Bringing together representatives of EU institutions, public authorities, civil society organisations, rural networks, researchers, and businesses involved in rural development, the RPCG served as a multi-stakeholder platform for dialogue, exchange and strategic reflection on rural matters at EU level.
The RPCG mandate concluded on 31 May 2026.
RPCG Declaration on the future of rural areas and rural development policy in the EU
Read the DeclarationRPCG position paper on legislative developments around the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework
Read the position paperMandate
The mandate had a duration of three years. Acting as a gathering of institutions and organisations, the RPCG supported the further development and implementation of the Rural Pact by:
- encouraging stakeholder participation;
- evaluating progress towards the objectives of the Rural Pact and LTVRA;
- monitoring actions for the rural vision; and
- contributing suggestions for Rural Pact activities, events and communication priorities.
During its mandate, the RPCG provided a space for dialogue between rural stakeholders and European institutions on key policy developments affecting rural communities and territories. Discussions covered topics such as territorial cohesion, rural proofing, rural attractiveness, demographic change, LEADER/CLLD, smart villages and the post-2027 EU policy framework.
RPCG meetings
Between 2023 and 2026, the RPCG held seven meetings and contributed to a range of outputs and reflections linked to the EU rural vision, such as the RPCG Declaration (December 2024) and RPCG position paper on legislative developments around the post-2027 EU policy framework (May 2026).
Meeting reports, presentations and related resources from RPCG meetings remain available below.
Supporting implementation of the Rural Pact
The European Commission facilitates the implementation of the Rural Pact through the Rural Pact Support Office (RPSO), funded under two successive contracts running from December 2022 to December 2025, and from January 2026 to December 2027.
Between June 2023 and May 2026, the RPCG oversaw the work of the RPSO and provided orientations on Rural Pact activities and priorities.
The RPSO supports stakeholder engagement, networking, communication and knowledge sharing linked to the EU rural vision. Its activities include organising webinars and policy events, facilitating peer learning and exchange, collecting and promoting good practices, supporting Rural Pact governance activities, monitoring actions and commitments under the Rural Pact, and maintaining regular information flows through the Rural Pact website, newsletter, magazine and social media channels. The RPSO also works to strengthen synergies with EU rural development networks and initiatives and support participation across the Rural Pact Community.
Useful documents
Terms of Reference
(PDF – 116.83 KB)
Rules of Procedure
(PDF – 83.98 KB)