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European Commission presents new EU Agenda for Cities to strengthen urban development
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
Why rural Europe trusts local leaders more than the EU: insights from new JRC study
A new study by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) reveals that trust in the EU has reached its highest level since the 2008 financial crisis – but a significant and growing urban-rural divide persists. The analysis further confirms that rural residents continue to place the strongest trust in regional and local authorities.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
JRC study reveals rising demographic pressures threatening citizens’ ‘right to stay’ in their home regions
Population decline, ageing and migration dynamics are expected to deepen territorial disparities across the EU in the coming decades, a new report by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) reveals.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
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EU Regional and Cohesion Funds evaluation confirms strong overall performance, but uneven territorial outcomes
The European Commission has published its ex-post evaluation of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund (CF) for 2014-2020, concluding that both funds delivered substantial support for economic development, environmental sustainability, and social cohesion across the EU.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
New OECD insights on strengthening rural innovation systems
A new OECD publication reveals how rural innovation is distinct from urban innovation in being driven by people, networks, technology and place-based creativity, rather than formal research and development (R&D) alone. It sets out concrete policy recommendations to strengthen rural innovation systems.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
The Netherlands formalises commitment to strengthen rural development through the EU Rural Pact
The Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature has officially signed a political commitment under the EU Rural Pact, reinforcing the Netherlands’ engagement in advancing the EU’s long-term vision for rural areas. The commitment was formally recognised on 11 December 2025 in parallel to the Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRI-FISH) meeting in Brussels.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Why policymakers commit through the Rural Pact – watch our new video
How are public authorities helping turn the EU’s rural vision into reality? In our new video testimonial, national and regional representatives share why they chose to formally commit through the Rural Pact – and how these commitments support stronger, more resilient rural territories.
- Rural Pact
Highlights report from sixth Rural Pact Coordination Group (RPCG) meeting now available
The report from the RPCG meeting of 6 November 2025 captures the key messages and priorities emerging as the EU is shaping its post-2027 policies and budget, with a strong focus on ensuring a visible and measurable rural dimension.
- Rural Pact
