On 16 and 17 September 2025, it will be possible to participate remotely in the Rural Pact Conference. The event is organised by the Rural Pact Support Office and will provide opportunities for exchange and networking to help build the Rural Vision 2040, update the Rural Action Plan, and guide Rural Pact actions and future policies.
This initiative follows the mandate of President Ursula von der Leyen, who published the Communication on the Long-Term Vision for the EU’s Rural Areas (LTVRA) up to 2040. This communication recognises the vital role that rural areas and their communities play in shaping Europe’s identity and economic potential, and the need to preserve and invest in their future.
The Rural Vision introduced the EU Rural Action Plan, comprising 24 thematic actions and six horizontal actions, including the Rural Pact, launched in June 2022. These actions are organised around four key areas: stronger, connected, resilient, and prosperous rural areas.
Since the launch of the Rural Vision, important progress has been made in the implementation of the Rural Action Plan. The European Commission’s report from March 2024, “The Long-Term Vision for the EU’s Rural Areas: Key Achievements and Ways Forward”, outlines the progress made, highlights new ideas raised by EU institutions and stakeholders, and identifies areas where further effort is needed to achieve the objectives.
The event is aimed at a wide range of participants, including civil society organisations, policymakers and public authorities, LEADER Local Action Groups (LAGs), academics and researchers, businesses, and citizens interested in actively contributing to the future of rural areas.
The programme is structured as follows:
Day 1 (16 September 2025) – Focuses on policy integration, priorities, and community commitments, highlighting the current challenges and opportunities for rural Europe. Activities will include debates from the EU institutions, the Committee of the Regions, and civil society. They will cover themes such as rural youth, digitalisation, smart villages, sustainable tourism, climate action, mountain development, and community-led innovation.
Day 2 (17 September 2025) – Participatory group discussions, exploration of concrete actions and policy recommendations across 8 thematic areas:
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Digital rural society;
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Energy transition in rural areas;
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Attracting young people to rural areas;
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Resilient rural communities;
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Innovative rural economies;
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Demographic challenges and services;
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Inclusive rural communities;
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Bioeconomy for local prosperity.
Participating online is a great opportunity to gain a better understanding of the Rural Pact and its objectives. You can find the registration link on the Rural Pact Community Platform.