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Rural Pact Community Pulse reveals limited involvement in NRPP processes so far
The latest Rural Pact Community Pulse explored rural stakeholders’ involvement in preparation of the future National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs). It gathered views from more than 100 respondents across the EU, including Local Action Groups (LAGs), civil society organisations, public authorities, businesses, rural networks, researchers and citizens.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Rural innovation needs stronger networks, skills and place-based support, Startup Village Forum highlights
Rural businesses are actively innovating, but stronger cooperation, access to skills and services, and place-based support are needed to unlock their potential. These were key messages from the European Startup Village Forum 2026, held on 15 October in Brussels.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Smart Villages in practice: new report highlights what makes community-led approaches work
Smart Villages work best as community-led development processes rather than isolated projects, according to a new Rural Pact report. Drawing on implementation experience across selected EU Member States, it examines funding models, local partnerships and the practical conditions needed to turn community strategies into action.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
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How Czechia's multi-funded CLLD model supports social inclusion through simplified delivery and stronger local partnerships
Czechia's multi-funded Community-led Local Development (CLLD) model offers insights into embedding social inclusion in local development. Its European Social Fund+ (ESF+) dimension illustrates how direct implementation by Local Action Groups (LAGs), simplified procedures, prevention and continuous learning can develop local expertise and capacities to deliver community-based solutions.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
EESC calls for intergenerational fairness to be embedded across EU policies
A new European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) opinion calls for intergenerational fairness to become a cross-cutting principle of EU policymaking, with particular attention to territorial inequalities and people living in rural, remote and deprived areas.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Strengthening rural economies through integrated approaches – Policy Lab presentations and videos now available
Strengthening rural economies requires integrated approaches combining business development, innovation, skills and essential services, tailored to the needs of different territories. A Rural Pact Policy Lab in Kotka, Finland, explored how these priorities could inform the future National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs).
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Territorial equity and the fight against rural depopulation: an overview of Spain’s strategic policy framework
Spain has formally approved its Second National Strategy for Territorial Equity and the Demographic Challenge. Find out more about the country’s policy framework targeting rural depopulation and territorial imbalances in this article from the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Strong regions, strong Europe: highlights from the 2026 EU Regions Week
The 2026 edition of the European Regions Week discussed the future of EU cohesion policy and territorial development. Explore insights on the National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs), right to stay, competitiveness and resilience through the sessions we attended.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
