14 de September de 2020
September 14, 2020. The European Union (EU) has extended the deadline for the public consultation on rural development to outline a long-term vision for rural areas in Europe. Specifically, it has launched a questionnaire open until November 30, 2020. This questionnaire follows the roadmap that was finalized on September 9, and through which any European citizen could freely express comments on this matter.
- The new questionnaire can be answered until November 30.
The new questionnaire aims to gather insights on current opportunities and challenges in rural areas, aspirations for these areas in 2040, and the actions needed to achieve them.
The target audience for this new phase of the consultation is:
- Citizenship of rural, urban and intermediate areas
- Local, regional, national and European administrations
- Organizations representing social partners, civil society, and consumers; NGOs primarily concerned with rural areas
- Private sector stakeholders (and their associations)
- Academic or research entities; educational and training institutions and organizations.
The public consultation on the long-term vision for rural areas is a first step towards a European Commission statement on the issue, which will be published in mid-2021 .
To participate in the questionnaire, go to the following link: https://bit.ly/3kfQhTP
The questionnaire includes an optional set of questions on the Common Agricultural Policy and territorial development .
Public consultation
The European Commission is committed to developing a long-term vision for rural areas . This requires assessing current life in rural areas across Europe and identifying key drivers for their prosperity. This public consultation will contribute to this process by gathering the perceptions and views of the European population on issues such as:
1. The needs of rural areas today
2. Attractions of rural areas.
3. Future opportunities in rural areas.
4. Administration and governance in rural areas.
Context of the consultation
In the European Union (EU), 96 million people live in rural areas, which occupy 45% of the territory .
Rural areas offer a range of social and economic opportunities to rural residents and society as a whole, with a unique quality of life and job opportunities in many diverse business areas. They have a special role to play in the transition to a green and sustainable Europe by mitigating climate change, providing alternatives to fossil fuels, and developing the circular economy. Furthermore, the COVID-19 crisis could lead to significant changes in society, from which rural areas could benefit.
They also have their own set of specific challenges , especially related to remoteness: access to public and health services, connectivity, education, and youth flight.