On 20 December 2021, the European Commission (EC) launched the Rural Pact, an initiative announced in its long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas presented in June 2021. The new pact aims to mobilise public authorities and stakeholders to act on the needs and aspirations of rural communities. It will provide a common framework to engage and cooperate at EU, national, regional and local level.
Based on extensive consultation with citizens and rural stakeholders, the long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas identifies pressing challenges and highlights some of the most promising opportunities that are available to these areas. With the support of the Rural Pact and Rural Action Plan launched by the Commission, the long-term vision aims to make the EU’s rural areas stronger, more connected, more resilient and more prosperous.
As next steps, between December 2021 and June 2022, stakeholders and rural actors can join the Rural Pact community and share reflections and ideas on its implementation and development.
In June 2022, the Rural Pact high-level conference will offer the opportunity to bring all contributions together and define the actions to take.