Turning words into action: can the RPCG Declaration drive real change?

The session, held on 28 May 2025, reflected on the relevance and potential impact of the RPCG Declaration. The discussion focused on how to transform the Declaration from a promising text into tangible action influencing post‑2027 EU policy, with a particular focus on community-led approaches such as LEADER and Smart Villages.

While participants – including RPCG members – broadly agreed on the usefulness of the Declaration, an interactive group exercise revealed a gap between the overall agreement on relevance and low perceived capacity to influence policy by using the document.

Further reflections underlined that the RPCG Declaration can shape future policy, as long as rural actors assert their agency. Rural communities need to build on existing achievements under the EU rural vision and shift narratives from problems to solutions. Local Action Groups (LAGs) play a strategic role as grassroots connectors – meaningful rural development cannot occur without their direct involvement.

However, uncertain funding for local approaches and capacities leaves rural stakeholders vulnerable and in a defensive position. Additional concerns include innovation being defined narrowly, through urban-led sustainability goals, often overlooking the benefits for rural areas or the role of social innovation.

Discussions further emphasised the need for renewed prominence of rural development in EU and national policy discussions and the establishment of national Rural Pacts.

Explore the RPCG Declaration in detail – full and short versions are available in all official EU languages.