Rural areas in the EU face greater levels of energy poverty and higher spending on energy. On the plus side, rural households are leading in renovations for efficiency. To meet energy needs, rural areas would be best served by place-based energy solutions.

The European Commission’s Energy Poverty Advisory Hub has launched a call to support local governments in designing and implementing local actions addressing energy poverty. Apply between 16 February and 31 March 2026.

A new publication by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) examines differences in innovation between urban and rural areas. It reveals significant urban-rural disparities, with some rural areas standing out as innovation hubs.

Tourism can support livelihoods, strengthen local economies and enhance community pride in rural areas. But it must be integrated into broader rural development strategies to secure long-term benefits for rural communities. This was among the key messages from the event ‘Revitalising Rural Europe: Tourism as a Force for Positive Change’.

A new study commissioned by the European Parliament’s Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the EU highlights the problems facing rural housing. To make housing policy more inclusive and resilient, the report calls for coordinated action in three areas – stronger legislation and standards, increased finance and investment, and enhanced capacity, data and public support.