03/27/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/27/2024 06:30
The European Commission has today published a report outlining the good progress made so far under the EU's long-term rural vision, highlighting positive outcomes delivered since 2021 and presenting ideas for future work.
The report outlines progress made under the "Long-term vision for the EU's rural areas"to support stronger, more connected, resilient and prosperous rural areas and communities. It presents 30 actions across a range of policy areas - of which nine are already completed.
Key achievements of the long-term vision to date include:
The reporthighlights that strong engagement at Member State, regional, and local level is essential for delivering good outcomes. In this respect, the 2021 launch of the Rural Pact has been pivotal, with a dedicated governance body, collaborative platform and support office facilitating interactions and creating knowledge for rural communities.
Maintaining its commitment to the development of EU rural areas and communities, the Commission in this report identifies actions in the EU rural action plan where extra efforts are required - and others where continuity is needed - for overall objectives to be achieved.
It also looks to the future: taking stock of how the 2023-2027 CAP and Cohesion Policy have contributed to the rural vision, it presents ideas and questions for reflection on how EU polices and supports could be enhanced in the future.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said: "Rural areas are a formative part of the European economy and cultural diversity. They are home to hundreds of millions of Europeans who enjoy living and working there. We stand by their side and want Europe's rural areas to flourish. Europe is investing in rural areas because their prospects are Europe's future."
Background
The EU's rural areas cover 83% of the EU territory and almost 1 out of 3 Europeans live in rural areas.
In June 2021, after an extensive consultation, the European Commission set out a long-term vision for the EU's rural areas up to 2040. President Ursula von der Leyen launched this initiative in 2019, recognising that rural areas are a core part of Europe's identity and economic potential and that we need to preserve them and invest in their future.
The long-term vision identified 10 shared goals and 4 areas of actions towards stronger, connected, resilient and prosperous rural areas by 2040. To achieve these goals, the Commission committed to launching a rural pact to mobilise public authorities and stakeholders to act on the needs and aspirations of rural residents. It also introduced an EU rural action plan, with 30 actions to be implemented by the Commission across a range of EU policy areas.
Today's report is the first on the implementation of the rural vision, offering first insights into the progress achieved so far and reflections on future directions.
For more information
Rural development - European Commission (europa.eu)
Inforegio - New Cohesion Policy (europa.eu)
Making the Rural Pact happen in Member States
Rural areas are a formative part of the European economy and cultural diversity. They are home to hundreds of millions of Europeans who enjoy living and working there. We stand by their side and want Europe's rural areas to flourish. Europe is investing in rural areas because their prospects are Europe's future.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
As we confront depopulation and demographic challenges, we must adopt a comprehensive policy approach that bridges the rural-urban divide and ensures equal access to services. We remain committed to this mission, leaving no region behind in our Union. Our work is guided by a Long-Term Vision for Rural Areas, which is now yielding tangible results on the ground. With our support, rural communities have the capacity to address their challenges and thrive.
Dubravka Šuica, Vice-President for Democracy and Demography
Today's report underlines the EU's commitment and progress towards the future of its rural areas. Only by actively listening and engaging with our rural communities can we find solutions that recognise and consider their needs to achieve stronger, connected, resilient and prosperous rural areas. Through the CAP Strategic Plans, we underscore the deep connection between rural development and agriculture and offer a new impulse of opportunities for farmers and rural communities for rural revitalisation.
Janusz Wojciechowski, Commissioner for Agriculture
Areas outside of large cities are places of opportunity that are crucial for the resilience of Europe and its future. Promoting a balanced and poly-centric development, which brings economic activity and opportunity in all regions, is important for the whole EU. The Long Term Vison for Rural Areas equips Member States and regions to implement policies and public investments adapted to the needs, challenges and strengths of our diverse rural areas. Cohesion Policy investments cover all the objectives of the Vision, from infrastructure to education opportunities and business support. It promotes and supports rural economic vitality and social inclusion.
Elisa Ferreira, Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms