Latest news
European Commission presents first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan
The European Commission launched on 16 December 2025 the European Affordable Housing Plan to tackle access to affordable, sustainable and good-quality housing. The Plan addresses several challenges relevant for rural areas.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Revitalising the rural economy through artistic practice: insights from a Basque project
Discover the Mutur Beltz project that fosters traditional trades, rural knowledge, employment and gender equality by recovering sheep wool as a strategic economic, ecological and cultural resource. The initiative was among the winners of the EU CAP Network’s Agricultural and Rural Inspiration Awards (ARIA) 2025.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
New opportunities for rural areas under Horizon Europe in 2026-2027
The European Commission has published the Horizon Europe work programme for 2026-2027, outlining upcoming funding opportunities under the EU’s research and innovation framework. The programme includes several calls of direct relevance for rural territories, notably under Cluster 6 ‘Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment’.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
More news
Local ownership through energy communities can help deliver affordable, secure renewables for Europe: new briefing
A new briefing highlights how energy communities – locally owned and democratically governed renewable energy initiatives – can play a vital role in ensuring affordable, secure, and community-driven energy across Europe.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Citizen-led energy innovation: apply to the Renewable Energy Community Prize
The European Commission is looking to reward energy communities that have developed creative, inclusive and effective governance models. Apply to the Renewable Energy Community Prize between 20 January and 25 June 2026.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Empowering citizen energy initiatives: apply for technical assistance by 16 January 2026
The Citizen Energy Advisory Hub is running a call for proposals to empower 120 citizen energy initiatives across the EU through hands-on support. Selected initiatives will receive advisory financial, technical, legal, stakeholder-engagement and capacity-building support.
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Share your views on future-proofing EU agri-food through research and innovation by 25 January
The European Commission is seeking stakeholder feedback to develop a new strategic approach to agricultural research and innovation (R&I). Submit your answers to the questionnaire by 25 January 2026.
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
European Commission presents new EU Agenda for Cities to strengthen urban development
The European Commission has presented a series of measures aimed at helping cities improve quality of life, public services and environmental conditions. The new Agenda responds to the growing pressures faced by urban areas, including climate change, pollution, housing shortages and social inequalities.
- Rural Pact
