Rural Pact Coordination Group emphasises need for alignment of rural priorities across governance levels
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
- Stronger Rural Areas
- Prosperous rural areas
- Resilient rural areas
- Connected rural areas
The fifth meeting of the Rural Pact Coordination Group (RPCG) discussed ways of reinforcing rural priorities across institutions at all levels, building momentum around the RPCG Declaration of December 2024, and strengthening the Rural Pact at national and regional levels.
© European Union, 2025
Aligning rural priorities
The fifth RPCG meeting (Brussels, Belgium – 4 June 2025) outlined current policy developments and shared reflections on the institutional outlook for rural areas.
Members underlined the need for greater visibility and alignment of rural priorities and funding programmes across European, national, and regional levels. They called for stronger coordination between European Commission Directorates-General, national governments, and local actors to avoid fragmentation and ensure rural needs are consistently addressed.
Capitalising on the RPCG Declaration
Several RPCG members presented outreach efforts and communication strategies developed since December 2024, including webinars, media campaigns, and national consultations. In Spain and Czechia, the Declaration has been used as a tool to rally inter-ministerial cooperation and frame rural development as a cross-sectoral priority.
Common challenges include the need for additional support to translate the Declaration’s language into action that is relatable – especially for local governments and non-expert audiences. As an RPCG member pointed out, the Declaration has given the Rural Pact a strong narrative foundation – what is needed now are practical tools and coordination mechanisms to bring it to life in diverse rural contexts.
National and regional Rural Pact initiatives taking shape
Emerging national and regional Rural Pact models in Czechia, Spain, Flanders (Belgium), and Romania illustrate concrete examples of how the Pact is being established and implemented. Initiatives range from integrated action plans to address depopulation, to talent-attraction projects and stakeholder platforms.
RPCG members discussed ways of tailoring the Rural Pact’s common framework to fit national realities, while still upholding the shared goals of the EU rural vision. They agreed that political commitment at the national and regional levels remains key.
The highlights report of the meeting will be made available in the coming weeks.