Riigikantselei resolutsioon: Maapiirkondade arengu pikaajaline visioon

    Resolutsiooni liik: Riigikantselei resolutsioon Viide: Maaeluministeerium /  / ; Riigikantselei /  / 2-5/21-01578

Resolutsiooni teema: Maapiirkondade arengu pikaajaline visioon

Adressaat: Maaeluministeerium Ülesanne: Tulenevalt Riigikogu kodu- ja töökorra seaduse § 152` lg 1 p 2 ning Vabariigi Valitsuse reglemendi § 3 lg 4 palun valmistada ette Vabariigi Valitsuse seisukoha ja otsuse eelnõu järgneva algatuse kohta, kaasates seejuures olulisi huvigruppe ja osapooli: KOMISJONI TEATIS EUROOPA PARLAMENDILE, NÕUKOGULE, EUROOPA MAJANDUS- JA SOTSIAALKOMITEELE NING REGIOONIDE KOMITEELE Maapiirkondade arengu pikaajaline visioon – Tugevamad, ühendatud, vastupanuvõimelised ja jõukad ELi maapiirkonnad 2040. aastaks, COM(2021) 345.

EISi toimiku nr: 21-0850

Tähtaeg: 11.10.2021

Adressaat: Keskkonnaministeerium, Majandus- ja Kommunikatsiooniministeerium, Rahandusministeerium, Siseministeerium, Sotsiaalministeerium Ülesanne: Palun esitada oma sisend Maaeluministeeriumile seisukohtade kujundamiseks antud eelnõu kohta (eelnõude infosüsteemi (EIS) kaudu).

Tähtaeg: 01.09.2021

Lisainfo: Eelnõu on kavas arutada valitsuse 21.10.2021 istungil ja Vabariigi Valitsuse reglemendi § 6 lg 6 kohaselt sellele eelneval nädalal (13.10.2021) EL koordinatsioonikogus. Esialgsed materjalid EL koordinatsioonikoguks palume esitada hiljemalt 11.10.2021.

Kinnitaja: Katrin Juhandi, Euroopa Liidu asjade direktori asetäitja Kinnitamise kuupäev: 14.07.2021 Resolutsiooni koostaja: Ann Saks [email protected], 693 5201      

EN EN

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels, 30.6.2021

COM(2021) 345 final

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN

PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL

COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

A long-term Vision for the EU's Rural Areas - Towards stronger, connected, resilient

and prosperous rural areas by 2040

{SWD(2021) 166 final} - {SWD(2021) 167 final}

1

INTRODUCTION: THE CALL FOR A LONG-TERM VISION FOR THE EU’S RURAL AREAS

The EU’s rural areas are a core part of the European way of life. They are home to 137

million people representing almost 30% of its population and over 80% of its territory,

considering all communes and municipalities of Europe with low population size or

density1. They are widely recognised and valued for food production, management of

natural resources, protection of natural landscapes, as well as recreation and tourism.

Many of our traditions, festivals and culture are rooted in Europe’s rural areas. As

emphasised by the European Commission’s President, Ursula von der Leyen, ‘Europe

would not be whole without its countryside’2.

Yet social and economic changes of the last decades, including globalisation and

urbanisation, are changing the role and nature of rural areas, which are also affected by

population decline and ageing3. Many Europeans are worried about the erosion of rural

infrastructure and service provision, including access to healthcare, social services and

education as well as to postal and banking services. Others express concerns about

shrinking employment opportunities and possible drop in income in rural areas or limited

transport and digital connectivity.

There is a growing understanding, that the role and importance of rural areas is

under-appreciated and insufficiently rewarded. Almost 40% of those who replied to the

public consultation organised in preparation of this Communication said they felt left

behind by society and policy-makers. This perception and the factors driving it need to be

addressed.4

This Communication on a long-term Vision for the EU’s rural areas aims to address these

challenges and concerns, by building on the emerging opportunities of the EU’s green

and digital transitions and on the lessons learnt from the COVID 19 pandemic, and

by identifying means to improve rural quality of life, achieve balanced territorial

development and stimulate economic growth in rural areas along with the help of the

1 According to the 2018 LAU (Local Administrative Unit) level modelling by the JRC Eurostat

demography data. Atlas of demography: https://migration-demography-tools.jrc.ec.europa.eu/atlas-

demography/

2 Webinar - A vision for rural Europe - Harnessing the potential of rural areas to contribute to a

sustainable & prosperous Europe.

3 See Commission report on the impact of demographic change (COM(2020)241 final) and green paper

on ageing (COM(2021) 50 final)

4 For further information see the accompanying Stakeholder consultation – Synopsis report (SWD(2021)

167 final)

‘Our rural areas are the fabric of our society and the heartbeat of our economy. The

diversity of landscape, culture and heritage is one of Europe’s most defining and

remarkable features. They are a core part of our identity and our economic

potential.’

‘We will cherish and preserve our rural areas and invest in their future.’

President von der Leyen – July 2019

(Political guidelines for 2019-2024)

2

newly launched Atlas of Demography. It builds on analysis, foresight activities,

extensive consultations and contributions from communities. It sets out the vision as well

as the policy tools, to achieve it, including best practices that can be replicated. The

Communication promotes and helps to achieve the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable

Development Goals.

Rural areas are active players in the EU’s green and digital transitions. Through

sustainable production of food, preservation of biodiversity and the fight against climate

change, they play a key role in achieving the European Union’s Green Deal5, Farm to

Fork6 and biodiversity7 targets. In parallel, the roll-out of new technologies in rural areas

will be indispensable to make Europe’s Digital Decade a reality. Reaching the targets of

the EU’s digital ambitions for 20308 can also provide more opportunities for the

sustainable development of rural areas beyond agriculture, farming and forestry. It can

contribute to developing new perspectives for the growth and geographical distribution of

manufacturing and especially services.

Europe’s rural areas are very diverse. Variations in natural and climatic conditions,

geographic features, historic and cultural developments, demographic and social changes,

national and regional specificities and economic prosperity mean that no two rural areas

are alike. This diversity calls for locally designed responses and solutions corresponding

to each territory’s specific needs and possibilities. It also means that territorial

development strategies should address rural areas according to their individual

characteristics and in relation to their environment. In this respect, actions need to focus

particularly on remote and less developed rural regions.

Changes to society, including the latest ones caused by COVID-19, should be turned

into opportunities for rural areas. We need to avoid an asymmetric recovery and ensure

that all of the EU’s territories have the means to bounce back equally from the pandemic.

The European Commission, in line with its strong commitment to democracy and

equality, and mindful of the impact of demographic change, is committed to leave no

one and no place behind and to bring the EU closer to its citizens. With this

Communication, it has the ambition to create a new momentum for rural areas by

changing the way they are perceived and by building new opportunities, with a stronger

voice for rural communities, which are an integral part of building the future of Europe.

Rural communities also play a pivotal role in implementing the 20 principles of the

European Pillar of Social Rights9, contributing to a strong social Europe that is fair,

inclusive and full of opportunity.

5 Communication The European Green Deal (COM (2019) 640 final)

6 Communication A Farm to Fork Strategy (COM (2020) 381 final)

7 Communication EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 (COM (2020) 380 final)

8 https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/europe-fit-digital-age/europes-digital-decade-

digital-targets-2030_en

9 https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/economy-works-people/jobs-growth-and-

investment/european-pillar-social-rights_en

3

Balanced territorial development, anchored in place-based approaches and the

involvement of all governance levels, as outlined in the recently adopted new Territorial

Agenda of the EU10, is necessary to make the most of the potential of rural areas.

The Commission is committed to reducing regional disparities and helping rural areas

catch up. This commitment is enshrined in Article 174 TFEU which lays out that

particular attention should be paid to ‘rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition,

and regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps

such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-

border and mountain regions’. The specific status of the outermost regions and their

rural areas is recognised by Article 349 TFEU.

These Treaty principles need to be observed and embraced at all levels: no policy, action

or measure should hamper regional convergence nor aggravate the regional divide.

Against this background, this Communication sets out a long-term Vision for the EU’s

rural areas up to 2040. It identifies areas of action towards stronger, connected, resilient

and prosperous rural areas and communities. A Rural Pact will mobilise public

authorities, and stakeholders to act on the needs and aspirations of rural residents. The

accompanying EU Rural Action Plan will pave the way to fostering territorial cohesion

and create new opportunities to attract innovative businesses, provide access to quality

jobs, promote new and improved skills, ensure better infrastructure and services, and

leverage the role of sustainable agriculture as well as diversified economic activities.

10https://www.territorialagenda.eu/files/agenda_theme/agenda_data/Territorial%20Agenda%20documents/

TerritorialAgenda2030_201201.pdf

4

1. EU’S RURAL AREAS TODAY11

1.1. Trends and challenges

The EU’s population is ageing and will slowly start to shrink in the coming decade. The

population in rural areas12 is already older, on average, than the population in towns

and suburbs and cities. Rural regions have, on average, seen a reduction in population in

recent years mainly due to negative natural population change13, not compensated by

sufficient positive net migration. Certain eastern and southern Member States are even

confronted with both challenges, as natural population change and net movement in their

rural regions have been negative.14 Moreover, young women are more likely to leave

rural regions than young men. These demographic trends, when coupled with a lack of

connectivity, infrastructure and productivity challenges and low access to public services

including education and care, can contribute to the lower attractiveness of rural areas

as places to live and work.

For centuries, ‘rural’ meant ‘agricultural’ with millions of farmers nurturing European

society. Life in many rural areas, especially in more remote and peripheral parts, remains

intrinsically linked to agriculture – over 40% of land in rural areas is used for agriculture.

Over time, the contribution of agriculture, forestry and fisheries to rural regions has

decreased both in economic and employment terms to 12% of all jobs and 4% of gross

value added, while crucially maintaining food security in the EU.

In parallel, the weight of services (e.g. tourism, recreation) increased and marked a

structural change in many rural economies, while the share of the industry and

construction sector remained constant.

While higher growth has enabled the gap to narrow since 2000, gross domestic product

(GDP) per capita in rural regions was still considerably lower (at 75%) than the EU

average in 2018. The economic catching-up did not reach remote rural regions (which

remain at around 70% of EU GDP per capita). This overall economic context highlights

the need to continue pursuing the economic diversification of rural areas, encompassing

all dimensions and sectors, to make the most of their potential in relation to services and

manufacturing.

The average employment rate in the EU’s rural areas increased between 2012 and 2020

(from 67.5% to 73.1%, i.e. higher than in cities), while the average unemployment rate

dropped (from 10.4% to 5.9%, i.e. lower than in cities). These favourable overall

dynamics mask different realities, notably a very diverse situation in the Member States

and the fact that young people have a higher unemployment rate compared to the general

working age population, also in rural areas. Moreover, in terms of share of population

that is at risk of poverty or social exclusion, the figures in 2019 are higher in rural areas

11 For further evidence, see also the Staff Working Document (SWD (2021) 166 final) accompanying

this Communication.

12 Different data sets make use of different definitions of ‘rural’. For this chapter the most important

difference is between DEGURBA data (referring to ‘cities, towns and suburbs and rural areas’) and the

NUTS urban-rural typology (referring to ‘urban, intermediate and rural regions’). For more

information, please see the methodology chapter of the accompanying Staff Working Document.

13 This means that the number of deaths has exceeded the number of births.

14 Based on average annual rates of change between 2014 and 2019.

5

(22.4%), compared to cities (21.3%) and towns and suburbs (19.2%), and in ten Member

States the percentage of the population at-risk-of-poverty in rural areas has risen since

2012.15.

There is a gap between male and female employment in rural areas of 13 percentage

points (versus 10 percentage points in cities), rising to over 20 in certain Member States.

This gap has remained fairly stable at EU level since 2012. In over half of the Member

States, this gender gap is wider in rural areas than cities. Attention should be paid to the

fact that many women have precarious contracts (e.g. seasonal workers) or play an

‘invisible role’ in rural societies (e.g. assisting spouses), which may leave them exposed

to vulnerable situations (such as no access to social protection or maternity benefits, in

some cases). At the same time, women represent a significant driving force for prosperity

and social inclusion in rural areas, notably through entrepreneurship.

The share of population16 with higher education in rural areas remains low despite an

increase from 18% in 2012 to 22% in 2019. The difference between rural areas and cities

also increased from 17 percentage points in 2012 to 19 in 2019 (being stable or growing

in most Member States). As regards basic skills (reading, mathematics and science), the

performance gap between urban and rural areas is also wide in many countries, as

indicated by the results of PISA 2018. In terms of at least basic digital skills the gap

amounted to 14 percentage points (48% for rural areas vs 62% for cities) in 2019 and is

stable since 2015. In addition, at EU level the rate of early leavers from education and

training is higher in rural areas and towns than in cities. Schools in some rural areas often

struggle to provide quality education due to their geographical isolation and small size.

They are faced with insufficient infrastructure and educational support services, a limited

educational offer and a lack of experienced teachers. This can limit the uptake of e-

services and the potential to study and work remotely, which influences the availability

of quality jobs in rural areas.

Life in rural areas crucially depends on access to quality public services and

infrastructure. The public consultation identified infrastructure, access to facilities and

amenities, digital connectivity and employment as the most urgent needs. In particular,

essential services and related infrastructure - such as water, sanitation, energy, transport,

financial services and digital communications - are key to guaranteeing social and

economic inclusion. They complement and facilitate access to other services that fulfil an

enabling function, such as childcare, education, long-term care, housing, labour market

and social services and they can also be an important source of job creation.17

Access to public services and infrastructure is influenced by the density and proximity of

people, which differs between rural areas across Member States and between rural areas

15 Youth unemployment rates are higher than general unemployment rates throughout the EU, and in all

types of areas. See the accompanying Staff Working Document (SWD (2021) 166 final) pp. 58-59 and

Figure 11) and File:Share of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion, analysed by degree of

urbanisation, 2019 (%) LCIE20.png - Statistics Explained (europa.eu).

16 Share of total population in this context does include people of different age groups.

17 The right to access these services - and in particular the necessity to support people in need - is

enshrined in Principle 20 of the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR).

6

close to a city and remote rural areas18. The less urbanised and the more remote an area

is, the longer the average road distance to the nearest service is.19

One third of the population of rural regions, lives in a border region. On average, these

rural border regions have weaker road and rail performance and access to fewer

passenger flights than other rural regions. People in rural border regions have to travel

further to reach a primary or secondary school or a hospital compared to other rural

regions.

Longer distances, lower population density and larger catchment areas make both

delivery and access to services in rural areas more difficult. However, delivering

services of general interest in rural areas with comparable quality to those in urban

areas is key to maintaining equitable living standards for all citizens and across all

territories, including in the most remote rural areas and in the outermost regions.

Rural communities are also potentially exposed to greater costs associated with the

climate transition. Longer travelling distances to e.g. hospitals, schools and shops,

coupled with greater dependency on private cars due to scarce public transport service

leads to higher travel costs20. Retail, doctors, pharmacies, banks, post offices, public

transport, childcare facilities and schools are essential to rural life and jobs, as well as

to ensure no-one and no place is left behind. The absence of these services can quickly

lead to feelings of remoteness and social exclusion. Small cities and towns can act as

driving forces for rural attractiveness and development and provide access to a number of

services for their surrounding rural areas. It is important to reflect and try new ways to

organise national and regional public services, taking advantage of digitalisation in the

process.

Business models and approaches such as e-services, mobile service solutions, private-

public partnerships, social enterprises, cultural and creative industries as well as

cooperatives can help reach less populated areas and are more generally a key factor for

rural socio-economic development. They crucially depend on the level of digital skills

and the availability and affordability of adequate digital infrastructure, and the

capacities to effectively deploy digital technologies, such as digital service platforms.

The key prerequisite for the digital transformation is internet connectivity. Despite recent

improvements in high-speed broadband connectivity, only 59% of households in rural

regions have access to next generation access (NGA) broadband (>30Mbps), compared

to 87% of the households in the EU.

Finally rural areas face specific challenges related to climate change and environmental

degradation. For instance farming and forestry are more vulnerable than urban economic

activities to more frequent adverse climate events such as storms, floods and droughts.

These sectors are among the first to feel the consequences when biodiversity is lost

posing a threat for the long-term economic perspectives of the rural communities that

depend on them.

18 The total number of people within a radius of 120 km.

19 This comprises among others retailer, primary school, pharmacy and bank.

20 OECD, Delivering Quality Education and Health Care to All: Preparing Regions for Demographic

Change, OECD Rural Studies, OECD Publishing, Paris, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1787/83025c02-en

7

1.2. Opportunities in rural areas

New societal demands, the opportunities of the green economy, the possibilities opened

up by digital technology together with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and

the expansion of teleworking have brought renewed attention to rural areas as places of

well-being, security, eco-living and new possibilities for social and economic renewal.

The natural resources of rural areas are key defining assets on which to build a

sustainable and prosperous future. When well-managed, rural landscapes covered by

forests and natural areas help regulate water flows, capture carbon and air pollutants

from the atmosphere, prevent soil erosion and provide ecosystem services.21 Sustainable

farming and forestry management which encompasses environmental, economic and

social sustainability, helps safeguard decent work and livelihoods, ecological systems

and biodiversity and also enhances climate and risk resilience. Improving the quality of

produced output and supporting farmers, foresters and rural entrepreneurs who are the

enablers of the transition towards a greener society and economy is essential.

The increased focus on mitigating climate change, including through renewable energy

production, is an opportunity for rural areas to combat energy poverty provided that

ecosystem services are appropriately valued and business models retain value within

rural communities.

In the context of the European Green Deal22, Europe’s new growth strategy, rural areas

will play an important role in making the EU the first climate neutral continent by

2050. The green transition will require the development of partnerships in all economic

activities in rural areas, between businesses of all sectors, local authorities, researchers

and services based on innovation, knowledge sharing and cooperation, including

within smart specialisation processes23.

The bioeconomy is one of the Union's largest sectors. It encompasses agriculture,

forestry, fisheries, aquaculture, and the production of food, feed, bio-energy and bio-

based products. It can help the EU accelerate progress towards a circular and low-carbon

economy and will contribute to the modernisation and strengthening of its food sector as

well as the industrial base of rural areas. Sustainable bio- and circular economy will

create new, more diverse value chains and greener, more cost-effective processes, while

protecting biodiversity and the environment. In 2017 the bioeconomy generated EUR

614 billion of value added and employed around 17.5 million people in the EU24. Within

rural areas, the bioeconomy can drive innovative business solutions and can be supported

through initiatives such as Startup Villages25 and support to SME’s.

Alongside these new economic opportunities and to create employment in the affected

areas, sustainable and innovative ways to use former mines and mineral extraction

21 Maes J., et al., More green infrastructure is required to maintain ecosystem services under current

trends in land-use change in Europe, Landsc Ecol 30:517–534, 2015.

22 https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en

23 https://s3platform.jrc.ec.europa.eu/what-is-smart-specialisation-

24 Ronzon, T., et al., Developments of Economic Growth and Employment in Bioeconomy Sectors across

the EU, Sustainability 12, no.11:4507, 2020. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12114507

25 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/commissioners/2019-2024/suica/announcements/launch-global-eu-

campaign-rural-50-strategy_en

8

sites must also be identified, notably by restoring degraded ecosystems and the services

they provide to local communities.

The evolving consumer demand for better quality, more sustainable and healthy food

including organic products can generate new opportunities for farmers and the rural

economy. The transition towards organic production methods, the development of short

supply chains, local processing and innovative products, in line with the EU’s Farm to

Fork Strategy and the Action Plan for the Development of Organic Production26, can

contribute to strengthening the role of farmers and increasing their income.

Sectors like tourism also benefit from a wider offer of quality touristic activities,

including on-farm activities, the production of local quality products, the adequate

management of landscapes and sea-land interactions in coastal rural areas. ‘Bio-districts’

- geographical areas where farmers, the public, tourist operators, associations and public

authorities enter into an agreement for the sustainable management of local resources

based on organic principles and practices - is a promising concept in this regard, in

particular in combination with the Natura 2000 network. It is therefore important to

account for the needs of small and medium sized farmers, attracting young, new and

female farmers and preventing land abandonment as well as facilitating land access.

This should also include agricultural workers, including seasonal workers and those with

a migrant background. The development and management of tourist offers, making full

use of technology and digital services should also be supported.

Digital connectivity is a key enabler for the diversification of economic activities in rural

areas. It will make it easier for entrepreneurs and start-ups to set up and grow their

businesses and thus creating new economic opportunities for rural areas. The

development of innovation ecosystems will allow rural communities to create high

quality jobs in rural areas in all sectors.

Another important set of opportunities for rural areas lies in the quality of life and the

involvement of local communities in decision making. Possibilities for active

participation in public and social life, including artistic and cultural activities, are also

likely to influence the relative attractiveness of rural areas.

26 Communication on an action plan for the development of the organic production, (COM (2021) 141

final)

9

2. A VISION FOR RURAL AREAS TOWARDS 2040

The challenges and opportunities rural areas face, several of which are likely to continue

in the future, are the foundation for the exercise undertaken to define the Vision. Citizens

and organisations from rural areas27 were strongly involved in designing this Vision

depicting where rural areas want to be in 2040. In addition, a dedicated foresight

exercise28 was conducted. It considered megatrends29 driving transformations to 2040

and identified key underlying factors of change, the so-called ‘drivers’, that are expected

to shape the future of rural areas (see graph 1). Demography and governance were

highlighted as the most impactful and uncertain drivers and were the axes along which

four scenarios were developed. Each one illustrates a possible future for rural areas in

2040, depending on whether they attract new inhabitants or not, and on the quality of

multi-level governance. The scenarios also address rural-urban interdependencies30.

Drawing on the identified drivers, the scenarios and numerous consultation activities,

four complementary areas of action emerged, embodying a long-term Vision from, by

and for stronger, connected, resilient and prosperous rural areas by 2040.

27 Based on participatory approaches with ENRD-Thematic Group, see ENRD portal and Staff Working

Document (SWD (2021) 166 final) accompanying this Communication

28 Foresight is the discipline of exploring, anticipating and shaping the future helping building and use

collective intelligence in a structured and systematic way to anticipate developments and better prepare

for change.

29 Megatrends are defined as long-term driving forces that are observable now and will most likely have

a global impact. More information can be found in the European Commission’s Megatrends Hub

30 More explanations can be found in the foresight section of the SWD (2021) 166 final.

10

Graph 1: Main drivers shaping the future of rural areas for 2040 and the four

complementary areas for action

Source: European Commission

2.1. Stronger rural areas

Rural areas should be home to empowered and vibrant local communities. Enabling all

individuals to take active part in policy and decision-making processes, involving a broad

range of stakeholders and networks as well as all levels of governance is key to

developing tailor-made, place-based and integrated policy solutions and investments.

New possibilities for active public participation such as consultations of rural

constituencies or online voting can make rural areas, particularly remote and

depopulating ones, more attractive by engaging people in decisions on their own future

and in how to make the most of the cultural and economic strengths of their area.

While situations vary between Member States, the population of a number of the EU’s

rural areas is mostly shrinking and growing older, which may put pressure on the

provision of public and private services. Ensuring rural areas are attractive places to live

and work is key. In this respect, the effective access to essential services of sufficient

quality, such as water, sanitation, healthcare, energy, transport, financial services and

Connected

• Digital connectivity

• Transport links and

new mobilities

Prosperous

• Diversification of

economic activities

• Sustainable food production

Resilient

• Resilience to

climate change

• Environmental

resilience

• Social resilience

Stronger

• Empowered communities • Access to services

• Social innovation

‘Innovation in rural areas is not led by big corporates.

It is community-led.’

‘From ‘rural inhabitants’ to rural communities.

Everyone invited, everyone involved.’

(Consultation activities for the long-term Vision)

(Consultation activities for the long-term Vision)

11

digital communications, has to be guaranteed for all31. Innovative solutions for the

provisions of services should also be developed, making the best of the possibilities

offered by digital tools and encouraging strongly social innovation.

2.2. Connected rural areas

The further development of rural areas is dependent on them being well connected

between each other and to peri-urban and urban areas. This makes them easier to access

while improving access to a wider range of services for local communities.

In terms of transport, this means maintaining or improving32 affordable public transport

services, and infrastructure such as railways, inland waterways, roads, charging and

refuelling stations to support e-mobility solutions, cycling paths, multimodal connections

including to active means of transport, as well as short-sea shipping and air transport

links, which are often the only means of connecting islands and certain peripheral

regions. The potential for rural areas to act as hubs for the development, testing and

deployment of sustainable and innovative mobility solutions should also be further

explored.

Digital infrastructure is an essential enabler for rural areas to contribute to and make the

most of the digital transition33. The development of digital capacities in rural areas will

improve their attractiveness. Digital technologies will offer services such as multi-modal

intelligent transport systems, rapid emergency assistance in case of accidents, more

targeted waste management solutions, smart energy and lighting solutions, resource

optimisation, and more.

31 Action Plan Principle 20 – The European Pillar of Social Rights:

https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/economy-works-people/jobs-growth-and-

investment/european-pillar-social-rights/european-pillar-social-rights-20-principles_en

32 This includes ensuring accessibility of public transport and infrastructure in line with the United

Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

33 Communication 2020 Strategic Foresight Report – Charting the course towards a more resilient

Europe (COM(2020)493 final).

‘The countryside is still struggling with numerous white spots

in terms of infrastructure - roads, transport, sewage and water

supply.’

‘Broadband needs to be an essential service. It is a means to

an end, not the end itself.’

(Consultation activities for the long-term Vision)

(Consultation activities for the long-term Vision)

12

2.3. Resilient rural areas that foster well-being

Rural areas can and should play a central role in the European Green Deal. The

preservation of natural resources, the restoration of landscapes, including cultural ones,

the greening of farming activities and shortening supply chains will make rural areas

more resilient to climate change, natural hazards and economic crises. As providers

of services that protect ecosystems and solutions for carbon neutrality, rural areas have

an increasingly important role to play in climate change mitigation and the sustainable

bio- and circular economy. Rural areas should build on sustainable farming, forestry,

agri-food economic activities and a diversified range of greener economic activities34

promoting carbon-farming and local, community-based high-quality production.

For the benefit of rural areas, different sustainable activities should be able to coexist.

Family agricultural activities should be carried out in harmony with other economic

activities, all the while respecting and preserving the proper autonomy of economic

sectors via appropriate land use planning and zoning. Likewise, agricultural production

should be mindful of its impact on waters and marine ecosystems.

The green and digital transitions should be fair and take the needs of all rural community

members into account, including those from disadvantaged groups to strengthen the

social resilience of rural areas.

Making rural areas more socially resilient requires tapping into the full breadth of talents

and diversity in our societies. Everyone should be able to access re- and upskilling,

opening the possibility of good quality jobs and opportunities, and they should be equally

represented in decision making, at the national, regional and local levels. Gender-based

violence and gender stereotypes should be addressed. Particular attention should also be

paid to young people as well as older persons, persons with disabilities, children,

LGBTQI+ people, people with a migrant background and Roma communities that

sometimes lack access to basic services, such as adequate social and educational services

and health care.

34 See Communication on an action plan for the development of the organic production, (COM (2021)

141 final)

‘The vision must promote sustainable resilience and inclusive

development, and enhance the well-being of inhabitants.’

(Consultation activities for the long-term Vision)

13

2.4. Prosperous rural areas

Rural areas can become more prosperous by diversifying economic activities to new

sectors with positive effects on employment35, and improving the value added of farming

and agri-food activities.

The diversification of economic activities should be based on sustainable local economic

strategies including measures that make their environment attractive to companies.

Economic diversification also requires giving access to digital and hybrid education and

training for communities to acquire new skills and support entrepreneurial mind-sets.

Improved networking of smaller businesses can be an alternative to consolidation, which

often leads to the transfer of power and profit away from rural areas.

The important economic role played by agriculture, forestry and fisheries should be

preserved. Developing short supply chains, making use of labelling schemes

acknowledging the quality and variety of local and traditional food products will have a

positive impact on local economies. Producer organisations can contribute to promoting

products and their regions through activities, such as advertising campaigns. This also

plays a role in satisfying the increasing demand for local products - linked to the specific

rural areas they are from - and contributes to preserving the self-sufficiency and

sustainability of European food production.

35 Fritsche U., et al., Future transitions for the Bioeconomy towards Sustainable Development and a

Climate-Neutral Economy - Knowledge Synthesis Final Report, Publications Office of the European

Union, Luxembourg, 2020. https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/54a1e679-f634-

11ea-991b-01aa75ed71a1/language-en

‘Continue the commitment to support the diversification of

activities and functions of rural areas, harnessing local

strengths, knowledge and opportunities and providing greater

support for small and micro scale projects, especially

promoted by young people and unemployed, avoiding their

leaving for the cities.’

(Consultation activities for the long-term Vision)

14

3. THE RURAL PACT AND THE EU RURAL ACTION PLAN

A Rural Pact and an EU Rural Action Plan with tangible flagship projects and new tools

will help achieve the goals of the Vision (see point 3.1). They will drive the revitalisation

of rural areas, mitigate the impact of negative trends and allow the monitoring and

reporting on the achievements towards 2040.

3.1. The Rural Pact – strengthened governance for EU rural areas

A Rural Pact will be developed with all levels of governance and stakeholders supporting

the shared goals of the Vision which are proposed in this Communication (see below).

The Pact will provide a common framework for the engagement and cooperation of a

wide range of actors at the EU, national, regional and local level. It will contribute to

increased synergies, complementarities and coherence between the EU, national, regional

and territorial policies and interventions to achieve the objectives of this long-term

Vision and respond to the common aspirations of rural communities. Interactions

between all levels of governance and stakeholders on rural development will be

encouraged through existing networks that will be mobilised to involve rural

stakeholders.

The Commission will act as a facilitator for the Pact to be a successful framework.

National authorities and stakeholders will be able to exchange ideas on the ways to reach

the shared goals of the Vision. Sharing experiences and best practises in the development

of strategies, action plans and concrete measures that have been taken will contribute to

‘Ensuring alignment and complementarity between International, National and Local

policies which impact on rural development will maximise the positive effects of our

collective efforts.’

(Consultation activities for the long-term Vision)

15

ensuring that all rural areas are stronger, connected, resilient and prosperous by 2040.

Member States, regional and local governments that have not yet designed a strategy and

an action plan to address the challenges faced by rural areas will be invited to do so. A

particular focus will be placed on the management of structural transitions and multi-

level and participatory governance to design and implement solutions that work best for

rural areas.

The four strands – Stronger, Connected, Resilient and Prosperous – summarise common

aspirations of rural communities and stakeholders for rural areas in 2040 to become:

i. Attractive spaces, developed in harmonious territorial development,

unlocking their specific potential, making them places of opportunity and

providing local solutions to help tackle the local effects of global challenges.

ii. Engaged in multi-level and place-based governance, developing integrated

strategies using collaborative and participatory approaches, benefitting from

tailor-made policy mixes and interdependencies between urban and rural

areas.

iii. Providers of food security, economic opportunities, goods and services for

wider society, such as bio-based materials and energy but also local,

community-based high-quality products, renewable energy, retaining a fair

share of the value generated.

iv. Dynamic communities focusing on well-being, including livelihoods,

fairness, prosperity and quality of life, where all people live and work well

together, with adequate capacity for mutual support.

v. Inclusive communities of inter-generational solidarity fairness and

renewal, open to newcomers and fostering equal opportunities for all.

vi. Flourishing sources of nature, enhanced by and contributing to the objectives

of the Green Deal, including climate neutrality, as well as sustainable

management of natural resources.

vii. Fully benefiting from digital innovation with equal access to emerging

technologies, widespread digital literacy and opportunities to acquire more

advanced skills.

viii. Entrepreneurial, innovative and skilled people, co-creating technological,

ecological and social progress.

ix. Lively places equipped with efficient, accessible and affordable public and

private services, including cross border services, providing tailored

solutions (such as transport, education, training, health and care, including

long-term care, social life and retail business).

x. Places of diversity, making the most out of their unique assets, talents and

potential.

Beyond the diversity of rural areas, which is an asset for successful adaptation, these

aspirations reflect common ground and possible EU added value and are therefore

proposed as shared goals for endorsement for a long term Vision for EU’s rural

areas.

16

3.2. EU Rural Action Plan

Testifying to the Commission’s renewed commitment to rural communities and the

development of rural areas, this Communication proposes a Rural Action Plan articulated

around flagship initiatives. Several EU policies already provide support to address rural

challenges and opportunities and contribute to the balanced, fair, green and innovative

development of rural areas.

The reformed Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)36, and in particular its European

Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), is one of the key sources of EU

funding for rural areas, by fostering a smart, resilient and diversified agricultural sector,

bolstering environmental care and climate action and by strengthening the socio-

economic fabric of rural areas.

Cohesion Policy37 is the other major source of support for rural areas, promoting and

supporting the harmonious overall development of Member States, regions and

territories. To reach these objectives the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF),

the Cohesion Fund (CF) and the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) mobilise significant

investments in people and infrastructure in rural areas. It also allows the design of tailor

made strategies to the needs of each territory through new policy objectives of the 2021-

2027 Cohesion Policy the: ‘Europe closer to citizens and ‘a more social and inclusive

Europe’. It provides a flexible and adaptable framework for Member States and regions

to support integrated territorial development with multi-level governance. It also offers

the possibility to support place based solutions developed in and by rural areas.

Member States should therefore seize the opportunities offered by the CAP Strategic

Plans and the Cohesion policy programmes for the 2021-2027 period to prompt

sustainable and integrated rural development. In addition they should use the very

significant potential of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), InvestEU, and other

EU programmes, as well as of the European Investment Bank to cover existing

investments gaps in rural areas. Funding needs to be mobilised coherently, in

complementarity with national and regional Member State interventions, which remain

crucial to providing comprehensive support to rural areas.

Beyond these key funding opportunities, the EU Rural Action Plan underpinning this

Vision will articulate tangible projects and initiatives, based on the four strands of actions

and bringing different EU policy areas together to turn this Vision into a reality. To

deliver on the Vision, a number of initiatives have been regrouped around flagships that

launch the joint effort to deliver on the Vision’s shared goals and typically regroup a

number of actions that work together. The flagships are actionable projects, reinforced by

accompanying actions described in detail in Annex38.

36 https://ec.europa.eu/info/food-farming-fisheries/key-policies/common-agricultural-policy/cap-

glance_en#legalfoundations

37 https://ec.europa.eu/info/business-economy-euro/recovery-coronavirus/recovery-and-resilience-

facility_en

38 See annex for complete list of accompanying actions.

17

Flagship initiatives supporting stronger rural areas

Local communities are best placed to assess the relative strengths of their territories and

build on them. Over the past 30 years, communities have been empowered to develop

local strategies with CAP funding under the LEADER approach. There is also a well-

established feature of Cohesion policy, through so-called Community-Led Local

Development (CLLD), in particular in peri-urban and coastal areas as well on islands.

Building on existing and future local development strategies, enhanced networking

should help provide more advice to local communities, notably on access to funding and

the conception of such strategies. The Smart Villages approach will also continue to be

promoted in this context.

To foster the dynamism of rural areas, the following initiatives are proposed:

 Rural revitalisation platform

The Commission will set-up a one-stop shop platform for information on existing

projects and funding possibilities for rural communities, rural project holders and local

authorities alike to collaborate. It will provide an opportunity for rural citizens and

communities to highlight how they have been able to leverage the specificities of their

territory into new economic opportunities or provision of services for their population.

This will in turn allow project holders or rural authorities to adapt these strategies to their

own reality.

It will predominantly support rural areas affected by population loss, ageing and a lack of

economic opportunities, who will be able to access information and best practices on

tools and strategies.

 Research and innovation for rural communities

Strong innovation ecosystems that bring together public and private players are a key

opportunity for rural communities to thrive again, for rural areas to be attractive places

for innovators to work and live, and for Europe to mobilise the wealth of innovation

pockets, talents and creative minds located outside of key knowledge hubs. Actions

under this flagship will promote the strengthening of such ecosystems. Rural-focused

R&I activities under Horizon Europe will support the development of innovations by and

for rural communities, training, as well as knowledge exchange between the actors of

rural innovation through yearly forum of Startup Villages to accelerate the spread and

adoption of innovations.

These flagships will be complemented by accompanying actions. The Commission will

assess how to best incentivise optimal land use planning and zoning to protect and

promote sustainable farming and other economic activities and further enhance the

networking around LEADER and Smart Villages. New programmes such as Erasmus+

‘The vital importance of rural territories to society as a whole must be recognised, its

image and perception among urban populations and decision-makers must be

improved, with a deconstruction of stereotypes.’

(Consultation activities for the long-term Vision)

18

and the European Solidarity Corps will also reach more people in rural areas through

inclusion measures.

Flagship initiatives encouraging connected rural areas

The Commission calls on Member States and regions to develop sustainable rural

mobility strategies. These should focus on specific rural mobility challenges39, taking

cross-border and macro-regional links into account to make the most of existing

networks. They should draw on the European guidelines on sustainable urban mobility

planning (SUMP)40. Urban areas are also encouraged to adopt sustainable mobility plans

that pay attention to their surrounding peri-urban and rural areas.

Broadband coverage, including 5G, is key for businesses and people to work remotely

and adapt to innovations and new economic activities. It also allows for innovative ways

to acquire new skills and is a prerequisite for accessible e-services such as eHealth, retail,

online banking, travel information and access to public administrations. A combination

of terrestrial and space-based connectivity, ensuring high-speed broadband everywhere

for resilient and cost-effective services will help achieve this. Developing widespread

digital literacy is also crucial to ensure accessibility. Finally, data should be used to the

benefit of rural areas. It can support improved and efficient service delivery, citizen

involvement and innovation in sectors such as mobility, energy, food supply and health.

To encourage rural connectivity, the following initiatives are proposed:

 Sustainable multimodal mobility best practices for rural areas

It is imperative to improve existing transport connections. To this end, sustainable

multimodal mobility solutions and connections should be optimised, making use of

digitalisation. Building on its experience with urban mobility networks, the Commission

will support rural municipalities in discussing and identifying mobility solutions. By

showcasing local level initiatives, local authorities will be able to discuss rural mobility

issues and adapt such initiative to address mobility in their territories, improving the

sustainability of transport and the accessibility of rural areas.41

39 This includes the specific challenges linked to the demography of rural areas, such as an ageing

population calling for ensuring accessibility of transport fleet and infrastructure.

40 https://www.eltis.org/sites/default/files/sump_guidelines_2019_interactive_document_1.pdf

41 The findings of the SMARTA 1 project concluded that a network on rural transport can showcase local

level initiatives which local authorities could replicate in their territory and provide a forum for

discussion on rural mobility issues. See: https://ruralsharedmobility.eu/wp-

content/uploads/2021/01/SMARTA-2nd-Brochure-EN.pdf

‘No matter how much effort is spent on education, promotion of tourism, development

of new economic initiatives, etc.: accessibility remains a key to success for any

development initiative. The absence of a good accessibility and connectivity affects

any development strategy implemented in rural territories.’

(Consultation activities for the long-term Vision)

19

 ‘Rural Digital Futures’

Rural areas and communities need to be at the core of digitalisation. ‘Rural Digital

Futures’ proposes an integrated set of actions to boost the sustainable digital

transformation of rural areas, raise their attractiveness for people and businesses to stay

or return. It will address:

1. Digital connectivity: closing the gap between rural and urban areas and enabling

universal and affordable access to high speed connectivity. This will be achieved

by mobilising private-sector investments.

2. Digital technology: digital innovation and new technologies such as artificial

intelligence, robotics, Internet of Things solutions and Digital Innovation Hubs

contributing to the development of rural areas.

3. People: boosting competencies needed for the digital transformation of rural

areas, including access to and being part of a high-performing digital education

ecosystem as per the strategic objectives of the Digital Education Action Plan

2021-202742, and promoting digital skills and entrepreneurship, so that everyone

is able to benefit from the digital transition.

4. Measuring progress towards closing the digital gap between urban and rural areas

by re-arranging existing indicators, notably from the Digital Economy and

Society Index, in a Rural Digital Index.

By 2030, the EU’s objective is to ensure that democratic life and public services will be

fully accessible to everyone online. In line with the 2030 Digital Compass, 100% online

provision of key public services would be available for European citizens and businesses;

100% of European citizens would have access to medical records (e-records); and 80% of

citizens would use a digital ID solution by 203043.

European funding from the EAFRD, the ERDF, the ESF + and the Connecting Europe

Facility (CEF), the RRF as well as national and private funding, should work together to

invest in infrastructure, technology and people. These investments will contribute to

reaching the goal of 100% fast broadband coverage in rural areas by 2025. It is to be

noted that a minimum of 20% from the Recovery and Resilience Facility should support

the digital transition. As mentioned in the Digital Decade Communication all European

households should be covered by a Gigabit network and all populated areas covered by

5G by 2030.

Alongside these flagship actions, the Commission will also provide support to Broadband

Competence Offices to facilitate the roll-out of broadband. CAP, Cohesion Policy,

Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe funding will allow for further digitalisation, notably

of the agricultural sector. In terms of transport, urban-rural linkages will be addressed in

the new EU Urban Mobility Framework and rural needs will be taken into account in the

Drone Strategy 2.0.

42 Communication Resetting education and training for the digital age (COM(2020)624 final)

43 Communication 2030 Digital Compass: the European way for the Digital Decade (COM(2021)118

final)

20

Flagship initiatives supporting resilient rural areas

Actions under this block will contribute to increasing the environmental, climatic and

social resilience of rural areas and focus on businesses and authorities, as they may bear a

disproportionate share of the costs of the transition. They should ensure the inclusion of

EU citizens at risk of being deprived of their rights, the promotion of gender equality, the

equality and inclusion of people with a minority ethnic or racial background living in

rural areas or seasonal workers, and give equal priority to economic and social

advancement.

To contribute to resilient rural areas, the following initiatives are proposed:

 Support rural municipalities in energy transition and fighting climate

change

The Covenant of Mayors for Energy and Climate Change is the world’s largest network

of municipalities. A rural work stream will be created for rural signatories to exchange

best practices, access funds, and increase awareness on the contribution they make to

fighting climate change. European funds can finance the renovation of buildings in rural

areas, supporting the EU’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic by providing jobs44

and contributing to the Green Deal objectives by increasing energy efficiency, local

renewable energy production and reducing energy poverty in the EU. Rural areas will

also be fully represented in the New European Bauhaus45, which connects the European

Green Deal to our living spaces, adapting buildings and public spaces.

 Climate action in peatland through carbon farming

Restoration, rewetting and conservation of wetlands and peatlands has great potential in

terms of climate benefits as it can deliver immediately significant emission reductions in

a relatively small area, while at the same time delivering several co-benefits related to

water management and biodiversity.

This transition would be more effective with a territorial approach, in particular in those

rural areas hosting extensive peatlands. These regions, could make benefit from support

44 Including through measures recommended by the Commission as part of the Effective Active Support

to Employment (EASE).

45 https://europa.eu/new-european-bauhaus/index_en

‘The idea of sustainability needs to build into every aspect of the development of rural

areas.’ - ‘For farmers, climate-friendly production methods create new niches and

opportunities for the future.’

‘COVID-19 has shown the various weaknesses and opportunities of different

territories. For rural areas in particular, while risks of spreading the disease would

seem lower than in densely urbanised areas, the population had to face the lack of

proximity health institutions and services, with an overall older and therefore more

vulnerable population’

(Consultation activities for the long-term Vision)

21

under the Just Transition Fund. Carbon farming initiatives could be a further source of

income for their farmers and foresters, rewarding them for carbon sequestration. As set

out in the Farm-to-Fork Strategy, a new EU carbon farming initiative will promote this

new business model. CAP, the Cohesion Policy and the LIFE programme can provide

support to develop pilot carbon-farming initiatives in their regions. Ensuring strong

advisory support to farmers and foresters will be particularly relevant.

 The proposed EU Mission on soil health and food

The proposed mission in the area of ’Soil health and food’, under Horizon Europe, aims

at implementing an ambitious research and innovation programme. The mission should

contribute to tackle soil challenges in rural areas, but also in urban settings, building

connections between rural and urban practices. The mission should also implement

citizen engagement activities and seek to improve knowledge on soil.

 Social resilience and Women in rural areas

Support for women will be provided for entrepreneurship, participation in decision

making and investments in work-life balance services, such as early childhood education

and care, as well as services for older people. There can also be opportunities to increase

women’s integration in the labour market.

As announced in the Gender Equality Strategy 2020-202546, the Commission will

continue supporting Member States’ work on improving the availability, accessibility

and affordability of quality education and care services for children47 and other

dependents in rural areas through investments from the European Social Fund Plus, the

European Regional Development Fund, the InvestEU programme and the European

Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. Special attention will also be paid to people in

vulnerable situations.

These four flagships will be complemented by other actions for demographic and social

resilience. These will include, among others, actions supporting the analysis of the

drivers of demographic decline in the rural areas that suffer from it in Europe, and

inclusion and integration measures for people with a migrant background and other

minorities.

46 Communication A Union of Equality: Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025 (COM(2020)152 final)

47 Communication: An EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child 2021-2024 (COM) (2021) 142 final)

22

Flagship initiatives promoting prosperous rural areas

Actions in this field should contribute to the economic diversification in rural areas

around the green and digital transformation of society and lead to the strengthening of

value chains in manufacturing and in cultural and creative industries. Relevant actions

should be well articulated with regional smart specialisation strategies and should ensure

that rural regions remain attractive for investments of industry and other economic

activities.

The diversification of rural areas beyond the food and farming sector should also be

supported. Synergies between tourism48, farm marketing and processing, including the

promotion of geographical indications, will contribute to the development of rural areas.

This could cover the commercialisation of products with geographical indications which

reflect a strong association between a product and its territorial origin. Goods produced

in well managed Natura 2000 sites demonstrating the compatibility of their production

with nature conservation may also benefit.

Regions will be supported in developing strategies that make the most of their intrinsic

strengths, notably in areas linked to the Green Deal as well as in the manufacturing,

service and creative sectors, while preserving self-sufficiency and sustainability of food

production. The development and transition of the industrial and service sectors in rural

areas is therefore key, along with value chains linked to the raw materials and energy

sectors, but not detracting from agricultural production or encroaching on sustainable

agricultural land use. The manufacturing energy and cultural and creative sectors have

close connections to and support productivity and employment growth in other sectors in

rural areas.

The European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan49 sets the target of 78% of the

population aged 20 to 64 in employment by 2030. To achieve this, the participation in the

labour market of people living in rural areas (among others) need to be ensured. The

Action Plan further sets out that by 2030, 60% of all adults should participate in training

every year. Funding from the ESF+ will support the training of people in rural areas to

ensure they have the tools required to be competitive on a changing job market. The

initiatives planned under the European Education Area will contribute to foster the

quality and inclusiveness of national education and training systems with an impact also

on rural and remote areas.

The following broad action will be promoted:

48 The Covid-19 crisis has triggered behavioural changes in favour of sustainable tourism

(https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC121262 ).

‘Diversify the economy, promote innovation of rural enterprises, especially micro

enterprises, and, ultimately, increase the competitiveness of the business fabric in

rural areas is vital for their future’

(Consultation activities for the long-term Vision)

23

 Entrepreneurship and social economy in rural areas.

The Commission will undertake a series of actions, including research and innovation

funding activities, paying special attention to small and medium sized enterprises already

settled or planning to settle in rural areas. This will enable entrepreneurs and small

businesses to move to rural areas and contribute to their adaptation to the changing

economic environment, provide opportunities to innovative business practices, cooperate

and cluster as well as develop new sectors of the economy. This will be partly achieved

through funding from Horizon Europe as well as the Commission’s Single Market

Programme, which will specifically address the needs of small and medium rural

businesses.

Social economy organisations hold significant potential to increase residential

attractiveness and empower citizens and communities. The European Action Plan on

Social Economy and the European Cluster Collaboration Platform will address

challenges and opportunities by promoting social economy and social enterprises

innovations and helping to pool business resources in rural areas, as well as to support

social economy stakeholders in innovation, quality job creation and social inclusion.

Networking between rural businesses will also be enhanced through the European

Enterprise Networks, Europe’s largest network of small and medium sized enterprises, as

well as through calls for inter-regional cooperation through the European Social

Economy Missions. A specific focus will be placed on short supply chains of agri-food

products, directly linking producers to consumers.

The flagship will be complemented by actions developing, among other things,

employment and learning opportunities for young people and the sustainable

development of the bioeconomy.

24

4. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EU RURAL ACTION PLAN

The Commission will support and monitor the implementation of the EU Rural Action

Plan and regularly update it to ensure its relevance and account for new EU policy

actions. It will liaise with the Member States, stakeholders, bodies and institutions on a

regular basis to offer a platform for exchanges on rural issues. It is envisaged that the

current EU and national rural networks, the Cohesion Policy networks, the Inform EU

network and the future CAP networks will play an active role in involving stakeholders,

sharing good practices and taking actions forward across a wide range of the proposed

topics and actions.

4.1. Rural proofing

Given the multidimensional nature of rural development and the fact the Treaties aim for

economic, social and territorial cohesion, there is a need to review EU policies through a

rural lens, considering their potential impacts and implications on rural jobs and growth

as well as development prospects, social well-being and equal opportunities for all, and

the environmental quality of rural areas.

As part of the Better Regulation Agenda, a rural proofing mechanism will be put in place,

notably to assess the anticipated impact of major EU legislative initiatives on rural areas.

Its purpose will be to ensure coherence, consistency and complementarity between

policies to benefit rural areas and communities. Rural proofing policy initiatives will

increase their impact on the ground. Putting in place such a mechanism was

recommended in the Cork 2.0 Declaration ‘A better life for rural areas’50, confirmed by

the 2017 Commission Communication on the Future of Food and Farming51 as well as

the recently adopted Communication on Better Regulation52 and stressed by local and

regional authorities and rural stakeholders during consultation activities. It will draw –

among other things – on territorial impact assessments and a better monitoring of the

situation of rural areas. The way in which rural areas are integrated in the EU’s policies

will be monitored, notably through regular reports on the implementation of relevant

policies.

The Commission also invites Member States to consider implementing the rural

proofing principle at the national, regional and local level.

4.2. EU Rural Observatory

More and better data are essential to understand the rural dimension of economic, social

and demographic conditions and to act on them. A Rural Observatory will be set up

within the Commission to further improve data collection and analysis on rural areas.

This Observatory will also provide evidence to inform policy making in relation to rural

development while supporting the overall implementation of the Rural Action Plan. It

will be tasked with:

50 Cork 2.0 Declaration-A Better Life in Rural Areas. https://enrd.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/cork-

declaration_en.pdf

51 Communication The Future of Food and Farming (COM(2017)713 final)

52 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_21_1902

25

 Centralising and analysing data, ensuring a bridge between data sources through a

rural data portal. Sex-disaggregated data will be used where available.

 Informing on relevant EU initiatives for rural areas.

 Analysing the achievements of the EU Rural Action Plan.

While the observatory’s scope will be rural, it will naturally contribute to the analysis of

diverse territories (cross-border, outermost regions, mountains, islands, sparsely

populated etc.) to reflect the multiple dimensions of rural areas and their links with other

territories. In this respect it will work in synergy with Eurostat, the Joint Research

Centre’s Knowledge Centre for Territorial Policies53 and ESPON54. Rural-focused

research and innovation activities funded under Horizon Europe will also support the

rural observatory with strengthened evidence.

In this context, the Commission will establish a common approach for the use of

Geospatial Information Systems. This will increase the publication of georeferenced

statistics and geospatial information will be included in statistical production. As a result,

the Commission will be able to produce more detailed regional, local and cross-border

level statistics in areas such as demography, health, education, tourism and agriculture.

4.3. Toolkit on EU Funding opportunities for rural areas

To reach the goals of the Vision, existing EU policy support needs to be enhanced and

further strengthened. A first step will be to improve synergies and complementarities

between funds that contribute to rural development.

The Commission will develop a toolkit on access to, and optimal combination of EU

funding opportunities for rural areas. It will aim to be a guide to the different funding

opportunities, centralising information in one document which will be accessible to local

authorities, stakeholders, project holders and managing authorities. The toolkit will

support integrated territorial and local development strategies, providing inspirational

solutions and examples to rural areas to trigger revitalisation by making full use of the

new opportunities offered by the new 2021-2027 budget.

53 https://knowledge4policy.ec.europa.eu/territorial_en

54 https://www.espon.eu/programme/espon/espon-2020-cooperation-programme

26

5. NEXT STEPS

This Communication, which also contributes to the work of the Conference on the Future

of Europe, is only the first step of a process which, through the Rural Pact and the

rolling EU Rural Action Plan, should ultimately fulfil the objectives of the long-term

Vision for the EU’s rural areas in 2040. Delivering on the goals of the Vision and

adapting to changing economic and social realities can only be done in cooperation with

citizens living in rural areas, national and regional administrations, local authorities and

all rural stakeholders.

By the end of 2021, the Commission will, together with the stakeholders, launch the

Rural Pact, linking with the Committee of the Regions, to examine the path towards

achieving the goals of the Vision. This process will discuss rural issues in dedicated

events, including within networks under the CAP, and other existing networks under the

Cohesion Policy Funds. The Commission will further engage the European Rural

Parliament, which can act as forums of exchange on the implementation of the Vision.

By mid-2023, the Commission will take stock of what actions have been carried out and

programmed in support schemes for rural areas financed by the EU and Member States in

the 2021-2027 programming period for the CAP and Cohesion Policy Funds and will

highlight gaps where necessary. A set of reflections on possible orientations for

enhanced support action and financing for rural areas, as well as on the ways

forward, will be included in a public report by the first quarter 2024, based on the

implementation of the EU Rural Action Plan. The discussions around the report will feed

the reflection on the preparation of the proposals for the 2028-2034 programming period.