Connected rural areas

29 Sep 2025

Advancing EU rural policies for resilient, inclusive, and future-oriented communities: insights from the Rural Pact Conference 2025

Over 250 rural stakeholders from across Europe gathered in Pecq, Belgium, on 16–17 September 2025 for the Rural Pact Conference, a two-day event dedicated to generating concrete actions for the EU rural vision. Organised by the Rural Pact Support Office, the Conference focused on shaping policies that strengthen rural resilience, competitiveness, and inclusiveness, while feeding directly into the upcoming update of the EU Rural Action Plan.

23 Sep 2025

New European Bauhaus Festival 2026: apply to showcase your project or share a cultural activity

The third edition of the New European Bauhaus Festival (NEB) – Brussels, Belgium, 9-13 June 2026 – will address the transformative power of democratic engagement in shaping more inclusive and sustainable communities. Apply by 15 October to showcase your project or cultural activity. Apply by 31 December to organise a satellite event.

04 Sep 2025

Sustainable Island Mobility Plan (SIMP) – a practical guide for rural and island communities

The Sustainable Island Mobility Plan Guide (SIMP), developed by CIVINET Greece-Cyprus with the University of the Aegean and co-funded by the CIVITAS Initiative, offers a hands-on framework for designing affordable, people-centred mobility in small and medium-sized territories. Its approach also translates to rural areas facing sparse public transport, long distances to services, seasonality, and the need to safeguard natural and cultural heritage while improving access.