The European Commission has formally adopted its comprehensive report detailing the progress and achievements made in implementing the EU’s long-term vision for rural areas. This significant milestone, marked on March 27, 2024, underscores the EU’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and prosperity in rural communities.

The report, a culmination of efforts since the Commission Communication was issued in June 2021, serves as a critical tool for shaping future EU policies beyond 2027. It provides a thorough assessment of key indicators, recent data, and a retrospective analysis of the 30-month implementation period of the rural vision. Additionally, it outlines strategic pathways for advancing the EU Rural Action Plan and the Rural Pact, incorporating valuable input from various EU institutions and stakeholders.

Key highlights from the report include a detailed stocktake of the contributions from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and Cohesion Policy to rural areas within the 2021–2027 programming period. To complement the report, two staff working documents have been released, offering in-depth insights into the 30 actions outlined in the EU Rural Action Plan.

Stakeholders and institutions have emphasised the importance of tailored interventions for rural communities beyond traditional sectors like farming and forestry. These interventions include support for energy-efficient construction, housing renovation, mobility solutions, and the provision of essential services and infrastructure. The report also underscores the significance of empowering rural youth and women through enhanced access to funding, diverse employment opportunities, and active participation in policy formulation and local decision-making processes.

For detailed information, the full report titled “The long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas: key achievements and ways forward” is available on the official rural vision website, ruralpact.rural-vision.europa.eu or available for download by clicking here.