Future of European rural policies in the spotlight at European Rural Parliament mid-term event
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
- Stronger Rural Areas
- Resilient rural areas
- Prosperous rural areas
- Connected rural areas
The recent mid-term event of the European Rural Parliament brought together civil society organisations and EU decision-makers to discuss rural challenges and opportunities in the context of preparing the post-2027 EU policies and adequately funding rural needs.
Image by the European Rural Parliament
The event (30 January 2025 – Brussels, Belgium) highlighted the rural vision and Pact as important initiatives to improve rural livelihoods, mobilise stakeholders, and help make rural voices heard. Representatives of rural communities expressed their willingness to make the rural vision a reality, but stressed that leadership by the European Commission is key.
Watch the video recording of the event!
The event saw representatives of European and national rural parliaments and EU institutions – the European Commission, Parliament, Council Presidency, Economic and Social Committee, and Committee of the Regions – exchange on future rural policies and role of civil society.
The European Commission’s DG AGRI will continue to work with EU Member States to ensure rural development is carried out in synergy with cohesion and other policies, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen highlighted. He further stressed the importance of an EU budget commensurate with the needs of both farmers and rural development.
The mid-term event is a milestone in the preparation of the upcoming edition of the European Rural Parliament (ERP) which will take place on 21-23 October 2025 in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Jointly organised by three EU-level organisations – ELARD, PREPARE and ERCA – the ERP is intended to strengthen the voice of rural people and communities.