Fostering local action for the future of rural areas

The session explored local experiences and policy initiatives such as the local vision of the Priorat region (Catalonia, Spain) which is based on self-organisation on the territory, cooperation among public and private actors, and a bottom-up approach. This regional mechanism to coordinate and implement initiatives in line with a sustainable development roadmap ensures a participatory and efficient governance system. 

The French Grand Est region’s Rural Pact, co-designed with local actors and adopted in April 2024, provides financial support in many areas of the rural vision. The regional pact allocates a budget of EUR 800 m to preserving the quality of life and increasing the attractiveness of rural areas; protecting the environment and local agriculture; and offering sustainable mobility solutions.

The Interreg Europe GOCORE project works to build resilient rural and peripheral regions through capacity building. The project aims to increase the engagement of citizens, civil society, and small businesses in policymaking and implementation in the face of societal challenges such as the climate and digital transitions and socio-demographic developments.

The session was coordinated by the Rural Pact Support Office, in partnership with the European Commission’s Directorates-General AGRI and REGIO, and the Interreg Europe Learning Platform.