News
EU Parliament calls for enhanced cohesion policy to support rural areas
A European Parliament resolution of 17 June 2025 aims to strengthen EU rural areas through reinforced cohesion policy measures. It calls for increased investment in short supply chains, innovation in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, digital infrastructure, improved connectivity and mobility, and equal access to essential services.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
FUTURAL project calls for policy shift to unlock community-led rural innovation
Existing innovation policies seldom target rural communities directly – a structural shift to empowering local actors through recognition, funding, and governance reforms is needed. This headline message emerged from a recent FUTURAL project webinar which spotlighted how community-led innovation can become central to post-2027 EU frameworks.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
European Commission recommends strategic response to transport poverty
A new European Commission recommendation (2025/1021) calls on EU Member States to develop strategic approaches for combating and preventing transport poverty, identifying at-risk populations and areas, and adopting inclusive mobility policies.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
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Strengthening coastal communities: lessons and recommendations from Community-led Local Development (CLLD)
A recent FAMENET report analyses the impact and future direction of CLLD implemented under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) in 2014-2020. It highlights both the tangible benefits of locally driven initiatives and the structural improvements required to enhance their long-term effectiveness.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
New EU study highlights farm labour challenges, calling for stronger enforcement of the labour legislation and of the CAP social conditionality
A recent EU-commissioned study on the working conditions of farm employees reveals persistent challenges affecting rural workers. It highlights that despite EU labour and safety rules, farm workers continue to face significant risks, especially in remote rural areas.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Funding available for interregional innovation projects
Two EU calls under the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) instrument seek to fund projects to scale up their solutions and integrate innovation actors into EU value chains. Regional authorities, SMEs, clusters, innovation agencies, research organisations, and universities are invited to apply by 13 November 2025.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Ireland backs 5 400+ local projects to strengthen rural communities
Ireland’s Local Enhancement Programme 2025 supports community organisations serving disadvantaged rural and urban areas with funding for ongoing running costs and small-scale projects. Approximately 4 500 local groups will receive funding for a total of 5 400 projects.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Funding available for digital innovations for rural-urban transformation – apply by 31 July
The EU-funded PoliRuralPlus project is looking to support applied digital innovation projects that address key rural-urban challenges through scalable, tech-driven solutions.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
