The Rural Pact Community Group on energy transition in rural areas empowers rural municipalities, helps bridge knowledge and capacity gaps, and supports the co-design of social energy plans. Join the dialogue and advance with the clean energy transition in your rural area.

The Spanish region Castilla-La Mancha had faced long-standing demographic challenges in its rural interior. Around three-quarters of its municipalities had lost population over recent decades, and many small towns’ population densities are far below the national average, reflecting sustained out-migration and population ageing.

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.