Rural Pact national dialogue initiative supports stakeholder involvement in future rural policies in Poland

Organised online on 19 June 2026 by the Polish Network of Local Action Groups and the Rural Pact Support Office (RPSO), the event highlighted that Poland already has several mechanisms enabling rural stakeholders to contribute to policy development at national and regional levels. In particular, the ongoing preparation of the future NRPP is an important opportunity for rural civil society organisations to help shape future rural priorities. 

At the same time, stronger coordination across policy sectors, more integrated territorial approaches and greater local stakeholder participation are needed to ensure that rural perspectives are consistently reflected in future decision-making.

Is the Rural Pact already functioning in Poland?

A central question discussed during the event was whether the Rural Pact can already be considered operational in Poland. The general conclusion was that, while some elements are already in place, there is still considerable work ahead to translate the Rural Pact into a more coherent framework for rural governance.

Event presentations revealed that several mechanisms supporting stakeholder participation and integrated rural development already exist. These include the working group for the long-term vision for rural areas, stakeholder involvement in preparing the future NRPP, and participatory territorial approaches such as LEADER/CLLD and Smart Villages.

At the same time, participants observed that rural policies continue to be dominated by sectoral thinking, focusing primarily on agriculture rather than rural development in its broader sense. Insufficient coordination between government departments and top-down approaches to policymaking are key obstacles to implementing a more integrated territorial approach.

What institutional arrangements could help achieve the rural vision?

Stronger institutional arrangements are needed to support integrated rural development in Poland. Assigning clear formal responsibility for rural matters at government level and introducing effective rural proofing to ensure that policies across sectors, from transport and education to health, housing and energy, are key to better reflect rural needs. 

LEADER/CLLD was recognised as an established tool for engaging municipalities, businesses, NGOs and communities in local development, while Smart Villages were highlighted for their contribution to resilience, innovation and quality of life. Participants further emphasised the value of multi-fund approaches.

What can stakeholders do to foster the Rural Pact in Poland?

Participants agreed that stakeholders themselves have an important role in strengthening the Rural Pact in Poland. Local ‘emissaries’ are needed to raise awareness, mobilise rural communities and promote bottom-up approaches, with LEADER Local Action Groups (LAGs) being particularly well placed to fulfil this role.  

Strengthening dialogue with regional authorities and encouraging their engagement in the Rural Pact is another priority. 

Participants further emphasised the importance of building local capacities and networks, while reflecting on whether the Rural Pact should evolve beyond a platform for dialogue towards a stronger mechanism for shared rural governance.

Supporting national dialogue through the EU Rural Pact

The event brought together representatives of national and regional governments, civil society organisations – including LEADER LAGs – business representatives, researchers and citizens to exchange on how to make the Rural Pact happen in Poland. 

Organised by the Polish LAG Network, the RPSO's national partner in Poland, the event was the second in the new 'Rural Pact in my country' event series. Through its network of national partners, the RPSO is strengthening support for Member States by fostering dialogue, peer learning and integrated approaches to rural development tailored to national and regional contexts.

Author: Rural Pact Support Office