(30 June 2021) – The European Commission has today put forward a long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas, identifying the challenges and concerns that they are facing, as well as some of the opportunities that are available to these regions.
Based on foresight and wide consultations with citizens and other actors in rural areas, today’s Vision proposes a Rural Pact and a Rural Action Plan, which aim to make rural areas “stronger, connected, resilient and prosperous”.
The Commission will facilitate this framework through existing networks, and encourage the exchange of ideas and best practices at all levels.
“Rural proofing” will be put in place whereby EU policies are reviewed through a rural lens.
A rural observatory will be set up within the Commission to further improve data collection and analysis on rural areas. This will provide evidence to inform policy-making in relation to rural development and support the implementation of the Rural Action Plan.