The European Parliament is set to consider a crucial report this month focusing on strengthening rural areas across the EU through cohesion policy. This initiative comes as rural regions, home to a quarter of Europe’s population and covering 83% of its territory, grapple with significant economic, social, demographic, and structural challenges.
The report, adopted by the Committee on Regional Development (REGI) in May 2025, underscores the urgent need for targeted investment and policy tools to unlock the full potential of these areas and foster sustainable long-term growth.
Among the key issues addressed, the REGI report specifically highlights the important role of women in rural areas and calls for further support for them. This aligns directly with the mission of projects like FLIARA, which aim to empower and support women in agricultural and rural settings.
Rural areas face a range of difficulties, including lower average incomes compared to urban areas (87.5% of urban income according to Eurostat 2023), limited transport and digital connectivity, a lack of public services, restricted access to large markets, insufficient diversified job opportunities, and a worrying demographic decline, particularly an “exodus” of young people.
However, the report also acknowledges opportunities such as the green energy transition and the growth in renewables. To address these complex challenges, REGI recommends investing in vital areas such as transport links, digital connectivity, cultural heritage, agriculture, tourism, and essential public services like healthcare and education.
Furthermore, the report advocates for a decentralised and place-based cohesion policy, simplified access to funding, and enhanced technical assistance for local authorities to improve fund absorption rates. It also champions the promotion of short agri-food supply chains, food labelling schemes, and the protection of the family-farm model. Calls were also made for the expansion of renewable energy production, preventive measures against natural disasters, and integrated water resource management.
Looking ahead, REGI has urged the European Commission to develop a comprehensive rural strategy for the post-2027 programming period and to ensure sufficient future EU funding for rural territories.
The European Parliament’s upcoming consideration of this report, with its specific recognition of the crucial role and need for support for women in rural areas, represents a significant step towards more inclusive and sustainable rural development in the EU.