On Wednesday 27 March, the European Commission published a Communication describing the satisfactory progress made to date in implementing the actions planned for 2021 to benefit the EU’s rural areas.
The document refers to the achievements resulting from the initiatives contained in the ‘Long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas’ (rural revitalisation platform, 60 rural research and innovation projects with a budget of €253 million, €23.5 billion in the form of grants and loans for underserved areas, etc.).
The 30 actions to which the Commission committed itself in its Communication of 30 June 2021 are all underway. Nine have been completed, out of which seven are being followed-up with new activities. At the same time, the rural pact has gained momentum, but it “needs to reach the local level by translating into meaningful actions on the ground”, according to the Communication. Action at EU level can contribute to achieving the vision for rural areas in 2040, but it is not enough: strong commitment and engagement are also essential at Member States, local and regional level.
The Commission is committed to implementing and consolidating the actions put in place to apply the rural action plan and the rural pact within the current Multiannual Financial Framework. It will examine the proposals and reflections emanating from the Union’s institutions and bodies, stakeholder organisations and the rural community in general as part of the preparation of the Union's budget proposals for the post-2027 period, which are expected to be adopted by mid-2025.
As part of the rural pact, a policy lab to be held in autumn 2024 and the rural pact conference to be held in early 2025 will provide platforms to discuss the strategic questions included in this report and engage rural pact community members and all rural stakeholders in having a say on the future.
Concerning the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the results of the strategic dialogue on the future of agriculture will provide food for thought. In regards to Cohesion Policy, the 9th Cohesion Report sets out a number of ideas for consideration, including for rural areas (see EUROPE 13380/7). Last November, the EU ‘Agriculture’ Council adopted conclusions on a long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas (see EUROPE 13296/3).
Link to the Communication: https://aeur.eu/f/bjb (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)