Latest news

Evaluating and enhancing rural tourism strategies: online tool by UN Tourism
The Self-Assessment Tool to Assist Rural Destinations (STAR) by UN Tourism is a digital platform aimed at empowering public authorities in rural areas to evaluate and enhance their tourism development strategies.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform

UN Tourism seeks to recognise rural tourism practices: apply to the call for Best Tourism Villages by 19 May
The Best Tourism Villages initiative by UN Tourism recognises villages around the world that demonstrate how tourism can drive positive transformation in rural areas. The call for applications for the fifth edition is open until 19 May 2025.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform

Rural Pact Conference: new date set for 16-17 September 2025
The Rural Pact Support Office is happy to announce that the new Conference date has been set for 16-17 September 2025! If you are not joining us at Château du Biez (Belgium), be sure to tune in for the live streaming – the link will be communicated closer to the date.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Upcoming events
Regional Studies Association’s Annual Conference 2025 - Navigating Regional Transformation
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Shaping the future of farming and the agri-food sector
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Latest publications

Highlights Report | Policy Action Lab ‘Enhancing policy coordination for vibrant rural areas’
This highlights report outlines the main messages and outputs of the Policy Action Lab of 28 November 2024, hosted by the Rural Pact Support Office.
- Rural Pact

Rural Pact Coordination Group (RPCG) Declaration on the future of rural areas and rural development policy in the European Union
The RPCG Declaration – adopted on 12 December 2024 – sets out a strategic proposal for the post-2027 EU funds and policies to address the challenges faced by rural areas. It calls for a strong shift in future policies to ensure the sustainability and resilience of EU’s rural areas in the long run.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform

Policy Briefing ‘Empowering communities to take action for the rural vision’
This Policy Briefing outlines how the Rural Pact can contribute to transformative local action in rural areas. It identifies a set of actions for both local communities and higher-level authorities to pursue in order to enable tailored responses to rural challenges.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Latest good practice

Training project promotes rural youth entrepreneurship and digital skills in six European countries
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform

Community-led forestry project promotes social inclusion and mental well-being in rural Czechia
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform

User-driven digital app enhances ecosystem monitoring and awareness in rural Luxembourg
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform