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Advancing EU rural policies for resilient, inclusive, and future-oriented communities: insights from the Rural Pact Conference 2025
Over 250 rural stakeholders from across Europe gathered in Pecq, Belgium, on 16–17 September 2025 for the Rural Pact Conference, a two-day event dedicated to generating concrete actions for the EU rural vision. Organised by the Rural Pact Support Office, the Conference focused on shaping policies that strengthen rural resilience, competitiveness, and inclusiveness, while feeding directly into the upcoming update of the EU Rural Action Plan.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
New research highlights rural communities’ role in Europe’s green transition
Nordic rural communities are set to play a central role in Europe’s green transition – especially in energy production – but current top-down approaches risk alienating these very communities and growing a sense of powerlessness, a new study claims.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
New toolkit to help strengthen migrant participation at local level
A new toolkit intends to support European municipalities and communities in involving migrants in the design and implementation of local integration policies. It offers concrete tools and practical methods for local authorities, civil society groups, migrant-led organisations, and researchers.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Recognising rural women innovators: enter the competition between 1 and 31 October
The EU-funded GRASS CEILING project seeks to recognise and celebrate women who are driving socio-ecological innovation in rural areas. The award intends to increase the number of women-led innovations in farming, rural economies, and communities, fostering sustainability, inclusion, and well-being.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
New European Bauhaus Festival 2026: apply to showcase your project or share a cultural activity
The third edition of the New European Bauhaus Festival (NEB) – Brussels, Belgium, 9-13 June 2026 – will address the transformative power of democratic engagement in shaping more inclusive and sustainable communities. Apply by 15 October to showcase your project or cultural activity. Apply by 31 December to organise a satellite event.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
SMART ERA open call to encourage innovation in rural regions – apply by 4 November 2025
The SMART ERA project has opened its first call inviting up to 11 innovators to tackle rural innovation challenges across the project’s six pilot regions. Successful applicants will receive EUR 60 000 and a tailored nine-month mentorship aimed at piloting solutions adapted to local rural realities. The deadline for submissions is 4 November 2025.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Sustainable Island Mobility Plan (SIMP) – a practical guide for rural and island communities
The Sustainable Island Mobility Plan Guide (SIMP), developed by CIVINET Greece-Cyprus with the University of the Aegean and co-funded by the CIVITAS Initiative, offers a hands-on framework for designing affordable, people-centred mobility in small and medium-sized territories. Its approach also translates to rural areas facing sparse public transport, long distances to services, seasonality, and the need to safeguard natural and cultural heritage while improving access.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Rural proofing: Policy Lab highlights report available online
Rural proofing is not a one-off check, but an ongoing process to ensure rural needs and opportunities are reflected throughout, from agenda-setting to evaluation. A recent Rural Pact Policy Lab explored how rural proofing can be more effectively embedded in policymaking at national and regional levels.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
New brochure: culture and well-being in rural communities
This short publication by ELARD examines culture, well-being, and youth mental health in rural areas, highlighting the unique challenges rural communities face. The brochure explores the potential of telehealth to bridge gaps, offering a way to reach youth and promote equitable mental health care.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
New youth inclusion toolkit for local authorities
The toolkit offers a concise overview of the benefits and ways of involving young people in nature-based solutions. Aimed at local governments, educators, and NGOs, the toolkit provides practical methods to support youth engagement, strengthen social-ecological resilience, and empower young people.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
