Latest news
Hungarian Rural Pact initiated by civil society organisations
Twenty-one national organisations called for the launch of a joint effort – involving representatives from the institutional, academic, and civil sectors – to develop an integrated, long-term rural and agricultural strategy based on the broadest possible consensus. The call to action was adopted at a consultation meeting on 17 April 2026 in Budapest.
- Rural Pact
Join the EESC stakeholder workshop on rural proofing on 4 May!
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is organising an interactive stakeholder workshop as part of the preparation of its own-initiative opinion on rural proofing. The workshop takes place on 4 May at the EESC premises in Brussels.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Analysing rural start-up entrepreneurship: new OECD-JRC insights from Portugal
A new working paper explores how geography shapes entrepreneurship in Portugal, challenging the usual narrative. While start-up rates appear lower in rural areas than in urban ones, this gap reverses once demographic and sectoral differences are taken into account.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Upcoming events
European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) stakeholder workshop on rural proofing
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
From Smart Villages to Smart Rural Futures: experiences from the Baltic region
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Latest publications
Good Practice Brochure 'Place-based innovation'
This first edition of the Rural Pact Good Practice Brochure focuses on place-based innovation and its role in addressing economic, social and environmental challenges in rural areas. It highlights how solutions rooted in local realities, supported by collaboration and tailored approaches, can strengthen rural development.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Highlights Report | Policy Action Lab ‘Rural areas and communities in the post-2027 EU budget and policies’
This highlights report summarises the key messages and discussions of the dedicated Policy Action Lab of 5 November 2025, organised by the Rural Pact Support Office.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Rural Vision Magazine | Edition 3
The third edition of the Rural Vision Magazine features a range of stakeholder voices on the most pressing developments around the EU rural vision and Pact in 2025.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Latest good practice
Connecting rural entrepreneurs in Skåne, Sweden, to the wider innovation ecosystem
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Small Lithuanian Culture Capitals: bringing arts and community-led culture to rural areas
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform