Latest 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
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
Upcoming events
Navigating rural transitions: Exploring liveable futures
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Local Development Forum 2025: Global inspirations, local transformations
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Nordic Meeting on Agricultural Occupational Health 2025
- 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
Regional innovation hub boosts sustainable food supply and resilience in rural Slovenia
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Circular-economy project addresses wood waste and sustainability awareness in rural Slovenia
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Irish community-based association addresses rural homelessness and energy efficiency
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform