Sports, Culture and leisure

20 fév 2026

Castilla-La Mancha reverses demographic decline in depopulated rural areas through long-term policy commitment and territorial investment

The Spanish region Castilla-La Mancha had faced long-standing demographic challenges in its rural interior. Around three-quarters of its municipalities had lost population over recent decades, and many small towns’ population densities are far below the national average, reflecting sustained out-migration and population ageing.

05 fév 2026

New JRC study analyses innovation across European regions

A new publication by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) examines differences in innovation between urban and rural areas. It reveals significant urban-rural disparities, with some rural areas standing out as innovation hubs.

23 jan 2026

Share your thoughts on the European Heritage Label’s revision

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on restructuring the European Heritage Label, an initiative that promotes heritage sites symbolic of Europe’s shared history and values. For rural areas, the revision could help boost local cultural tourism, stimulate innovation and development, and create job opportunities.