Finland formalises commitment to coordinated and place-based rural development through the EU Rural Pact

The commitment was signed by Ms Sari Essayah, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland, on 30 March 2026 in Brussels, in parallel to the Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRI-FISH) meeting.

Through this commitment, Finland sets out a series of actions aimed at supporting rural development and strengthening governance, coordination and participation across policy areas. These include reinforcing plans for diverse interventions in future National and Regional Partnership Plans and implementing the government’s upcoming Rural Policy Report to strengthen cross-administrative cooperation at national level.

The Ministry also commits to ensuring that the voice of rural areas continues to be heard through multi-level and place-based governance, including the appointment of the third Rural Policy Council (MANE) for 2026-2031. The Council will support cross-administrative coordination, contribute to the implementation and monitoring of the Rural Policy Report and Rural Policy Programmes, conduct rural impact assessments, address rural policy information needs and contribute to the preparation of the EU’s next programming period.

Further actions include enhancing rural proofing in administrative and decision-making procedures, and implementing place-based rural development approaches. Actions also cover promoting rural livelihoods, digitalisation and broadband access, strengthening communities and local development, reinforcing rural areas’ role in food security and the economy, and supporting the sustainable management of natural resources.

By submitting this commitment, Finland joins other EU public authorities contributing to the implementation of the long-term vision for rural areas through the Rural Pact.