Rural Pact poll reveals uneven stakeholder familiarity with the NRPPs and readiness to engage in their design

New EU policy framework introducing National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs)

The European Commission’s proposals for the 2028-2034 EU budget, published on 16 July 2025, introduce significant changes to EU funding. They bring several instruments and policies – including rural development – under shared management, into one National and Regional Partnership Plan (NRPP) per Member State, supported by a single fund. This new fund aims to strengthen synergies between policy areas and promote a more integrated, cross-sectoral approach to addressing the complex needs of rural areas.

As negotiations continue between the European Commission, Council of the EU and European Parliament, national and regional authorities are already encouraged to reflect on how these plans can be designed in close partnership with rural stakeholders. This will help ensure the most effective use of available resources for rural territories.

Poll insights: stakeholder readiness and support needs for NRPPs

In this context, the Rural Pact Support Office (RPSO) launched a short poll among Rural Pact community members to gather insights into how prepared rural stakeholders feel to engage in discussions on the post-2027 EU policy framework. The aim is to help better guide the work of the Rural Pact. 

The total of 139 poll respondents include a broad mix of actors, notably public authorities, Local Action Groups (LAGs), rural networks, civil society organisations and other practitioners. Overall, familiarity with the proposed NRPPs remains uneven: around half of respondents report little or no knowledge, while the other half are very or somewhat familiar. Public authorities report a better understanding of the proposed regulations while many rural stakeholders – particularly at local level – indicate that they are still in the early stages of engagement.

When it comes to preparedness to engage in the design of the NRPPs, public authorities generally consider themselves more advanced. By contrast, local actors such as LAGs and community organisations underline the need for clearer guidance and practical tools to participate effectively in the forthcoming processes. 

Across the board, respondents emphasised the importance of capacity-building, timely access to information and opportunities for exchange to support meaningful participation in shaping the NRPPs so they effectively respond to rural needs. In particular, respondents highlighted the value of practical information on NRPPs, as well as concrete examples of how stakeholders can get involved. 

Opportunities for peer learning and dialogue with policymakers also emerged as key priorities. These findings underline the importance of strengthening exchanges across governance levels and ensuring that all actors can contribute effectively to future policy design.

Rural Pact resources and support

To support stakeholders in this process, the Rural Pact offers a range of practical resources. A recent Policy Lab on rural areas and communities in the post-2027 EU budget and policies provides key insights into emerging directions, including a comprehensive overview on future policy architecture and its implications for rural areas (see also the video recording).

A forthcoming Policy Lab (3 June 2026 - Brussels, Belgium) will enhance knowledge about three building blocks relevant for rural communities and territories in the NRPPs proposed for the 2028-2034 EU budget.

Additional Policy Labs explore key enablers for effective policymaking. One on rural proofing highlights how to assess policies through a rural lens and better account for territorial impacts, while the Policy Lab on policy coordination examines how to strengthen alignment across governance levels and sectors. 

Country-specific information on the Rural Pact platform complements these resources by showcasing national and regional approaches to and examples of integrated strategies, offering inspiration for stakeholders preparing to engage in NRPP design in their own contexts.

Looking ahead, the RPSO will further support stakeholders through a dedicated website section on the post-2027 EU policy framework. This will provide accessible, regularly updated information on and links to the main EU legislative documents and a compilation of Rural Pact resources and knowledge.