EU funds paving the way to the rural vision

• Boost dialogue among policy-makers and practitioners at all levels to explore ways to enhance actual access to funding by  local rural actors and communities;
• Build reflections on possible orientations for enhanced support action and financing for rural areas, as well as on the ways forward.

The audience consisted of policy-makers and networks at EU, national and regional levels involved in EU funds, including CAP and EU cohesion policies, representatives of regional and local stakeholders, such as civil society organisations and public authorities, as well as relevant academic and research and innovation organisations.

Background

The long-term vision for rural areas (LTVRA) covers a wide and complex range of issues which need to be addressed in a holistic way with diverse funds such as those financing  the Common Agricultural Policy and Cohesion Policy but also other sources at EU, national, regional and local levels. The vision also outlines the importance of all funds at all governance levels to work in synergies to support rural development. 

In the High-level Rural Policy Forum (27-29 September 2023) organised in Sigüenza (Spain), the Rural Pact Community emphasised the importance of facilitating access to financial opportunities by local actors and communities to help them implement their projects and ambitions and contribute to a more cohesive development of rural territories, leaving no rural area behind. 

The Rural Toolkit on EU funding being developed by DG REGIO and the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission under the Rural Action Plan will help in this respect. The tool will assist rural actors in accessing and utilising EU funds effectively. It will provide practical guidance, tools, and best practices to enhance the territorial  development of rural areas, contributing to the objectives of the Long-Term Vision for the EU’s Rural Areas.