04/12/2023 (Agence Europe) – Support for culture and cultural industries in rural areas is essential to promote the sustainable development of these regions so that they can retain and attract young people and combat demographic decline, according to the opinion of Csaba Borboly (EPP, Romanian), President of Harghita County Council, adopted on 29 November by the European Committee of the Regions (CoR). In response to the profound social and economic changes associated with the depopulation of rural areas in recent decades, local and regional leaders across the EU have recognised that cultural and creative sectors and industries can play a crucial role in strengthening rural economies and creating jobs, making rural areas more attractive places to live and work. (LC)