The new EU-funded project NitroScope will establish an extensive nitrogen monitoring network to help build a more resilient agriculture in Europe. As part of the EU Soil Mission, the project will contribute to the objectives of the Soil Deal for Europe, fostering improved soil health and cleaner water and air.

The Permanent Delegation to the EU of the Castilla y León region, acting as part of the Demographic Change Regions Network, held a conference on 13 February on the right to stay in rural areas. The meeting, at the European Committee of the Regions, allowed for discussion in the context of the upcoming EU strategy on this right.

The Future Forum for Rural Development is the most important national event on rural development issues in Germany. The 19th edition, held in Berlin on 21-22 January, brought together diverse rural development stakeholders to consider how rural areas can be made more attractive and sustainable for the future.

Better access to services and modern infrastructure are essential for young farmers to remain in rural areas. The EU strategy for generational renewal in agriculture places this objective at the core of its vision, linking agricultural renewal with wider rural revitalisation efforts through the rural vision and the Rural Pact.

The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) is calling for post-2027 rural development policy to be ambitious, place-based and long term, enhancing rural areas’ attractiveness, sustainability and competitiveness. It brought stakeholders together for a consultation on 28 January to share their thoughts on future policy.