Although the Smart Villages approach – as a policy concept and instrument – has become rooted in the CAP rural development pillar, further consolidation and clarifications are needed around its implementation through the CAP Strategic Plans (CSPs) 2023-2027.

Rural housing solutions must be designed to take account of socio-economic factors such as demographic shifts, financial barriers, spatial inequalities, rapid economic changes and the need for energy transition and industrial transformation. Read the report for inspiring examples of integrated housing strategies, innovative financial models, and community-led solutions.

The latest set of Good Practices covers a wealth of inspiring initiatives, including a community-led forestry project for social inclusion, training on sustainable rural entrepreneurship, and volunteer-based mobility services.