European Parliament stakeholder dialogue calls for stronger rural participation in EU policymaking

The event – Rural Civil Dialogue: opportunities and challenges in rural areas – brought together EU institutions, civil society organisations, rural networks and researchers. It discussed how rural communities can have a stronger voice in policymaking and a genuine choice to stay in, leave or return to rural areas.

Discussions focused particularly on the forthcoming EU ‘right to stay’ strategy and the proposed post-2027 EU funding framework, highlighting the need to reflect rural priorities in policy design and implementation.

Integrated policies and investment responding to rural needs

Participants stressed that economic opportunities, access to essential services and community life are interconnected. Housing, education, healthcare, transport, digital connectivity and cultural activities were identified as important conditions for making rural areas attractive places to live and work, particularly for young people.

European Commission Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto highlighted the importance of linking infrastructure, public services and connectivity, while drawing on stakeholders' experiences in preparing the ‘right to stay’ strategy.

The proposed National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs) and the 10% rural spending target, presented by Hugo Almeida, Head of Unit at the European Commission’s DG AGRI, prompted discussions on ensuring that investment and reforms respond to specific rural needs. Participants called for clear criteria, meaningful local and regional involvement, and integrated territorial approaches. The importance of maintaining the capacities, partnerships and trust developed through LEADER/Community-led Local Development (CLLD) was also emphasised.

Strengthening rural voices in policymaking

Stakeholder involvement in the EU rural vision and Pact was praised, as well as civil society representatives’ contributions made through the Civil Dialogue Groups. However, more needs to be done. A recurring message was that consultation alone is insufficient: rural communities and their representatives should be involved in defining priorities and shaping policies from the outset. 

Rural youth representatives highlighted the need for young people to participate in decisions on future investments. Other contributions emphasised the role of civil society organisations in strengthening community life, social cohesion and participation.

Researchers stressed the economic potential of rural areas and the importance of place-based approaches that build on local assets. They also called for policy outcomes to be assessed through improvements in living conditions and opportunities, rather than expenditure alone.

Building on the Rural Pact to strengthen rural participation

The Rural Pact Support Office contributed to the discussion on civil society and academic engagement, highlighting the Rural Pact's role in connecting stakeholders across sectors and governance levels, building capacities and supporting integrated rural development.

The contribution emphasised how the Rural Pact and the EU rural vision could complement the forthcoming ‘right to stay’ strategy, building on existing stakeholder networks, cooperation with EU initiatives and mechanisms for dialogue between communities and policymakers.

The discussion reinforced the importance of recognising rural communities as active partners in Europe's competitiveness, resilience and sustainability, and supporting their capacity to shape their own development.