Rural communities are ready to drive Europe’s future – but need partnership, trust, and the freedom to act, a strong message resonating from the sixth European Rural Parliament (21–23 October 2025). The debates led to the adoption of the 2025 Declaration of Inverurie calling for the recognition of rural communities to lead local development.

The initiative strengthens cooperation across Central and Eastern Europe to build knowledge-based, sustainable bioeconomies that drive innovation, resilience and growth in rural areas. BIOEAST supports countries in developing national bioeconomy strategies, building research and innovation capacity, and creating synergies between agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, energy and food systems.

We asked a range of stakeholders what the policy priorities for a stronger rural Europe are and why the Rural Pact matters. Hear what they had to say in our new video testimonials.

Quality schemes protect Europe’s culinary heritage, culture and economy – the European Commission recently launched new guidance on the registration of Geographical Indications (GI) to protect agri-food products, including wines and spirit drinks, under EU GI system.

European cooperation can make a lasting and impactful difference on territories – find out how three EU-funded projects are fostering economies and mobility in remote rural areas, strengthening territorial cohesion and reducing regional disparities.