‘Right to stay’ strategy consultation: practical guidance for rural stakeholders
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
- Stronger Rural Areas
- Connected rural areas
- Resilient rural areas
- Prosperous rural areas
An online information session organised by the Rural Pact Support Office on 20 May encouraged rural stakeholders to contribute to the European Commission’s call for evidence on the future ‘right to stay’ strategy. It provided practical guidance ahead of the 5 June 2026 consultation deadline.
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The consultation invites citizens and stakeholders to share views, experiences and practical solutions helping regions and territories remain attractive places to live and work.
Watch the session recording for guidance on how to participate and prepare meaningful contributions!
The RPSO session overviewed the consultation process, explained how contributions can be submitted through the European Commission’s ‘have your say’ portal and highlighted the importance of ensuring that rural perspectives, needs and solutions are reflected in the future strategy.
See the full presentation for details!
Rural stakeholders are encouraged to prepare contributions that:
- combine challenges with practical solutions and recommendations for future EU action;
- are structured, concise and evidence based;
- reflect territorial realities and local experiences;
- highlight integrated and place-based approaches;
- include examples of successful practices and initiatives already implemented on the ground;
- address issues such as access to services, local economic development, housing, mobility, youth retention and community participation;
- showcase governance models and cooperation approaches that support rural attractiveness and quality of life.
A wide range of resources can be useful to stakeholders when preparing their contributions, including the Rural Observatory and Rural Pact knowledge, including good practices, policy briefings, publications and event materials on topics such as housing, mobility, youth, digitalisation, rural innovation and rural proofing.
The Commission’s ‘right to stay’ strategy is intended to support the development of solutions addressing territorial inequalities and supporting people’s possibility to “live and build a life in a place that they call home”. Challenges affecting many rural areas include population decline, youth outmigration, ageing populations, labour shortages and difficulties in maintaining access to essential services such as healthcare, education and transport.