The Netherlands formalises commitment to strengthen rural development through the EU Rural Pact
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
- Stronger Rural Areas
- Connected rural areas
- Resilient rural areas
- Prosperous rural areas
The Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature has officially signed a political commitment under the EU Rural Pact, reinforcing the Netherlands’ engagement in advancing the EU’s long-term vision for rural areas. The commitment was formally recognised on 11 December 2025 in parallel to the Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRI-FISH) meeting in Brussels.
©European Union, 2025
The Dutch commitment outlines four priority areas to support vibrant, resilient and future-ready rural communities. The Netherlands will enhance cross-ministerial cooperation to ensure national policies are systematically rural-proofed, particularly in fields such as spatial planning, mobility and public services.
It will continue to advance a comprehensive Rural Review, supported by the OECD and the European Commission’s DG REFORM. Launched in September 2025, the review intends to strengthen the evidence base, institutional capacity and long-term strategic approach to rural policymaking.
The Ministry further commits to continued collaboration with the Dutch Rural Pact initiative, an informal platform uniting rural networks, civil society, local authorities and researchers to deepen ownership of the EU rural vision.
In addition, the country pledges to mitigate the social and economic effects of challenges related to a future proof agricultural sector and nature restauration, ensuring that policy decisions take into account the well-being and future prospects of rural communities.
By joining the growing number of public authorities endorsing the Rural Pact, the Netherlands demonstrates its strategic commitment to strengthening rural areas and contributing to the shared goals of the EU rural vision through improved governance, better coordination, and inclusive stakeholder engagement.
Discover more Rural Pact actions in the Netherlands.
Find out how public authorities can submit a commitment to the Rural Pact on behalf of national and regional governments.
Read the latest edition of the Rural Vision Magazine for stakeholder perspectives on enhancing policy coordination (pp. 8-9) and the Dutch Ministry’s use of technical assistance under the EU Technical Support Instrument (p.5).