Latest news
Ireland unveils new national rural development policy for 2026-2031
The Irish government has launched its second ‘Our Rural Future’ policy, aimed at driving rural development and strengthening the country’s rural communities. It includes a range of new measures and initiatives to support rural enterprise and employment, improve access to essential services, tackle rural isolation and boost community resilience.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
EESC calls for stronger recognition and support for social farming in EU policies
Social farming can strengthen rural economies, improve access to social and care services, and support the inclusion of vulnerable groups. A new European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) opinion calls for better funding, policy coordination and recognition of its contribution to rural development.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Engaging stakeholders in territorial initiatives: GRANULAR project toolkit
A new resource from the EU-funded project GRANULAR offers practical guidance on stakeholder engagement in territorial initiatives. It is designed to support territorial actors throughout the process.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Upcoming events
The future of rural places: identifying drivers, navigating uncertainty and exploring alternatives – OECD principles on rural policy series
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
IV international conference on rural dynamics, resilience and innovation
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Latest publications
Mapping the implementation of Smart Villages: lessons from across the EU
This Rural Pact report examines the implementation of Smart Villages under the 2023-2027 common agricultural policy (CAP), exploring different approaches adopted by Member States, including dedicated interventions and support through LEADER.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Policy Briefing 'How to foster integrated approaches for rural areas in the National and Regional Partnership Plans'
This Rural Pact Policy Briefing provides practical guidance on how to develop integrated approaches to rural development within the proposed National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs) for 2028-2034.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Making the Rural Pact happen in Member States and regions: a repository of practices
This repository of practices illustrates how European countries and regions are putting in place structures, mechanisms and approaches to strengthen rural governance, stakeholder engagement and integrated rural development.
- Rural Pact
Latest good practice
Toscana Diffusa: integrating policies for balanced territorial development in Tuscany, Italy
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Les Concerts de Poche: bringing music workshops and concerts to rural France
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Rural Pact Netherlands: a stakeholder network helps shape the future of Dutch rural areas
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform