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Ministers for agriculture have adopted conclusions on the long-term vision for rural areas. The conclusions include crucial elements that aim to steer and inform upcoming political discussions on the ways forward for rural policies.

The second meeting of the Rural Pact Coordination Group (RPCG), held in Brussels on 7 November 2023, marked a pivotal moment in the advancement of the EU's Rural Pact. The key highlight of the meeting was the election of members to take new leadership roles, the Chair and Vice-chair, essential in guiding the future direction of the Rural Pact. This article delves into the significance of these elections and their anticipated impact on rural development debates across the EU.

If you are wondering how to make the Rural Pact happen in your country or region, this Policy Briefing of the Rural Pact Support Office provides you with the key ingredients needed to foster concerted action towards meeting the objectives of the long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas.

This policy brief of the EU Rural Observatory shows how remoteness can increase territorial disparities across the urban-rural continuum and proposes a characterisation and a map of remote rural areas of Europe according to the opportunities and challenges they face.

The Agricultural and Rural Inspiration Awards (ARIA) 2023 are here, celebrating CAP-funded projects that are revolutionising agriculture and rural areas through lifelong learning, innovation, and competitiveness. Find out more about the 24 finalists, cast your vote by 1st December.

As a commitment to the Rural Pact, France has launched the ‘Institut des Hautes Études des Mondes Ruraux’ (IHEMRU). It aims to build capacities to a variety of stakeholders to help address the evolving challenges and opportunities in rural areas.

The EU City Facility (EUCF) is getting ready to launch its sixth call for applications, offering a EUR 60 000 grant to municipalities and municipality groupings (including in rural areas) across the European Union, Iceland, and Ukraine. This funding supports the development of sustainable energy and energy efficiency projects. Discover how you can be a part of this initiative for positive change in your community.

The report "From Fields to Futures: 40 Action Points for Rural Revitalisation" by the Nordic Rural Youth Panel 2023 serves as a cornerstone document in addressing the complexities and challenges of rural development. The document offers 40 strategic recommendations aimed at reinvigorating rural areas through enhanced education, employment, housing, and community engagement, with a strong emphasis on youth involvement.

The declaration, adopted by the Bureau of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), emphasises the fundamental role of the Long-term Vision for the EU's Rural Areas 2040 and urges policy adjustments and earmarked funds. It highlights the need to address depopulation, climate challenges, and rural vulnerabilities for a cohesive future for Europe.

From 6 to 8 November, around 100 mountain representatives from 16 countries and 22 mountain ranges converged in Hungary for the Workshop 'Unlocking the Power of Mountain Value Chains', organised in the framework of the EU-funded MOVING project (MOuntain Valorisation through INterconnectedness and Green Growth).