• All rural stakeholders are invited to participate through a participation form.
• The objective of the Pact is to mobilize public authorities and stakeholders to act on the needs and aspirations of rural areas and local populations by 2040.
• The Rural Pact is part of the European Union's Communication on the "Long-Term Vision for Rural Areas"

The European Commission (EC) launched the Rural Pact at the end of December. This initiative falls under the European Union's (EU) "Long-Term Vision for Rural Areas." It aims to establish a roadmap for rural Europe by 2040.

Through this Rural Pact, all rural stakeholders are invited to express their support based on the problems and aspirations of their rural areas by 2040. To this end, a form has been designed of participation , with the aim of collaborating in the development and implementation of the 10 objectives to be achieved with this Pact, which are the result of the "Long-Term Vision for Rural Areas" . This communication was published in June 2021, following an intense period of public consultations with citizens and rural stakeholders.

The deadline for participation in the Rural Pact is June 2022. From this date, the European Commission will organize a high-level Rural Pact conference, which will provide an opportunity to compile all contributions and define the actions to be taken.

Rural Action Plan

The communication of the long-term vision for rural areas proposes the development of both a Rural Pact and a Rural Action Plan by the European Commission.

The Rural Pact involves local, regional, national, and EU stakeholders who will participate in achieving the common objectives of the vision and promoting economic, social, and territorial cohesion. To this end, they will use the rural networks of each Member State as a framework for contact and discussion.

The Rural Action Plan includes:

• Providing political support to rural areas through the CAP and cohesion policy .
• The definition of 4 areas of action :

1. Strength : through the provision of services . Innovation plays a key role here.
2. Connectivity : through strengthening transport systems and internet connectivity.
3. Resilience : including environmental, agricultural and social sustainability (inclusion).
4. Prosperity : through the diversification of economic activities in rural areas.

To this end, the Rural Observatory will be created, which will be responsible for monitoring and developing the Rural Action Plan.

You can find more information on the long-term vision for rural areas in the EU here .