Latest news
Rural competitiveness: business support, local assets and social economy approaches – presentations and videos available
Strengthening rural competitiveness requires more than addressing the constraints faced by rural businesses. A Rural Pact Good Practice Webinar (17 September 2026) highlighted the importance of mobilising territorial assets and combining access to finance, business support, innovation and cooperation to create value locally.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Interregional Innovation Investments Instrument opens two new calls for proposals
The European Commission’s Interregional Innovation Investments Instrument has launched two new calls offering financial and advisory support for joint innovation projects. Apply by 12 November 2026.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
AER meeting explores competitiveness and rural development in next EU budget
A recent Assembly of European Regions (AER) meeting looked at the role of competitiveness in rural development within the context of the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework. The discussion centred on the proposed European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), its interaction with regional development policies and the implications for rural territories.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Upcoming events
SME & Clusters assembly 2026: connecting for a competitive Europe
- 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
Latest good practice
‘Honey Routes’ project: revitalising rural Cyprus through sustainable tourism
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Regional innovation hub boosts sustainable food supply and resilience in rural Slovenia
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Self-service eco-stores restore retail access in rural areas of western France
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform