All news

28 mai 2026

‘Right to stay’ strategy consultation: practical guidance for rural stakeholders

An online information session organised by the Rural Pact Support Office on 20 May encouraged rural stakeholders to contribute to the European Commission’s call for evidence on the future ‘right to stay’ strategy. It provided practical guidance ahead of the 5 June 2026 consultation deadline.

28 mai 2026

European Commission adopts first ever EU anti-poverty strategy

The European Commission has presented the EU anti-poverty strategy, setting out a comprehensive approach to prevent and protect against poverty. The strategy addresses the need to guarantee access to services for those in need in rural areas.

27 mai 2026

Rural Pact Community Pulse highlights priorities for rural attractiveness across Europe

What makes rural areas attractive places to live, work and build a future? The latest Rural Pact Community Pulse explored this question, gathering views from nearly 200 respondents across the EU, including citizens, Local Action Groups, civil society organisations, researchers, businesses and public authorities.

26 mai 2026

Spotlighted action for the rural vision: AI-based LEADER cost-control tool

This month, we spotlight an action for the rural vision showcasing how artificial intelligence can support rural development implementation. The initiative is a cost moderation tool developed to support LEADER project cost control processes, helping improve administrative efficiency linked to local development projects.

22 mai 2026

RPSO meeting strengthens cooperation among EU initiatives relevant to rural areas

A coordination meeting organised by the Rural Pact Support Office (RPSO) on 6 May 2026 brought together nine European Commission-supported initiatives to strengthen cooperation, improve coordination and identify synergies across activities linked to rural development, innovation, climate action, connectivity, participation and territorial development.

22 mai 2026

RPCG discusses post-2027 rural policy framework, stakeholder dialogue and future Rural Pact priorities

The seventh meeting of the Rural Pact Coordination Group (RPCG) discussed recent developments concerning the post-2027 EU policy framework for rural areas, future stakeholder dialogue on rural matters, and priorities and synergies linked to Rural Pact Support Office (RPSO) activities in 2026 and 2027.

21 mai 2026

Dutch Rural Pact enters next phase – what’s in store for 2026

The Rural Pact network in the Netherlands was born in 2024, bringing together rural development stakeholders from politics, academia and civil society. Two years on, the network is moving into its next phase of development, with plans to develop a common vision on the future of rural areas and a series of policy recommendations.

21 mai 2026

Committee of the Regions’ opinion on the European Competitiveness Fund

The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) has adopted its opinion on the proposed European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), part of the post-2027 EU budget framework. The opinion highlights the role of local and regional authorities in shaping and implementing competitiveness policies, and calls for their stronger involvement in the governance of the fund.

20 mai 2026

Rural Radicals plans new edition of learning programme for LAGs

Rural Radicals is organising a nine-month learning programme for selected Local Action Groups on reactivating vacant rural buildings, as part of its Transforming Rural Landscapes project. Apply to take part in the 2027 edition.

20 mai 2026

Driving times to the nearest hospitals and schools in rural Europe: insights from Eurostat

European citizens’ quality of life depends on their access to basic services such as healthcare and primary education. A dataset from Eurostat can help identify rural communities with low or limited access by road to these services.