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How can policymakers ensure that policies designed at national or regional level work effectively for rural communities? This question sits at the heart of rural proofing – an process that aims to ensure that the needs, opportunities and realities of rural areas are given due consideration throughout policymaking.

How can rural policies better reflect the diverse needs of rural territories? The first ever 'Rural Pact in my country' event, organised in Latvia on 9 June 2026, is part of a new initiative to strengthen dialogue with rural stakeholders at national level.

The social economy is a vital part of rural life, helping communities face challenges from demographic decline to lack of services and opportunities. This article looks at the progress so far with implementing the EU’s social economy action plan, Rural Pact members’ contribution to its mid-term review, and what’s in store for the next phase.

LEADER plays a key role in translating Catalonia’s Rural Agenda from strategy into reality, with Local Action Groups (LAGs) helping to tackle challenges such as depopulation, housing shortages and youth employment across the region’s rural areas.

Communication plays an important role in shaping how policies, programmes and initiatives are understood by rural communities. Between March and April 2026, the OECD explored this topic through a three-part Rural Principles Series on rural communication.