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A European Parliament resolution of 17 June 2025 aims to strengthen EU rural areas through reinforced cohesion policy measures. It calls for increased investment in short supply chains, innovation in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, digital infrastructure, improved connectivity and mobility, and equal access to essential services.

The photo contest ‘Village and nature through the eyes of a woman’ will take place on 15 October in Koprivnica-Križevci County, Croatia. The contest will promote and document women’s daily lives, traditions, and the natural beauty of rural areas. The initiative can be adapted and replicated in other regions, offering a creative way to celebrate rural women and preserve cultural and environmental heritage.

Existing innovation policies seldom target rural communities directly – a structural shift to empowering local actors through recognition, funding, and governance reforms is needed. This headline message emerged from a recent FUTURAL project webinar which spotlighted how community-led innovation can become central to post-2027 EU frameworks.

A new European Commission recommendation (2025/1021) calls on EU Member States to develop strategic approaches for combating and preventing transport poverty, identifying at-risk populations and areas, and adopting inclusive mobility policies.

A recent FAMENET report analyses the impact and future direction of CLLD implemented under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) in 2014-2020. It highlights both the tangible benefits of locally driven initiatives and the structural improvements required to enhance their long-term effectiveness.