Highlights report from sixth Rural Pact Coordination Group (RPCG) meeting now available
The report from the RPCG meeting of 6 November 2025 captures the key messages and priorities emerging as the EU is shaping its post-2027 policies and budget, with a strong focus on ensuring a visible and measurable rural dimension.
©European Union, 2025
A central theme of the meeting was the need to secure rural priorities within the new framework for National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs). Members stressed that future EU investment must reflect rural needs through clear territorial definitions, credible tagging mechanisms and effective rural proofing.
The RPCG also examined how its 2024 Declaration aligns with the Commission’s current proposals, identifying stronger partnership requirements, clearer territorial approaches and safeguards for tools such as LEADER/CLLD and Smart Villages are still needed. On this basis, the RPCG will continue discussing how to advance rural priorities within the evolving post-2027 EU policy landscape.
The meeting further contributed to the ongoing update of the EU Rural Action Plan, expected in 2026. Through themed discussions on housing, services, tourism and competitiveness, members highlighted the importance of integrated, place-based solutions and stronger local governance to uphold the ‘right to stay’ in rural areas.