The 20th of December 2021 was a key day for rural development. The European Commission launched the Rural Pact, an initiative announced in the Long-Term Vision for the Rural Areas. This new pact aims to mobilise public authorities and stakeholders to act on the needs and aspirations of rural communities in order to provide a common framework to engage and cooperate at a local, regional, national and European level.
Vice-president Šuica, Commissioner Wojciechowski and Commissioner Ferreira extended an open invitation to join the discussion on the Rural Pact. All interested parties are invited to express their commitment to the goals of the vision –by completing the Rural Pact engagement form–, and thus participate in the development and implementation of the Rural Pact. The Commission will facilitate this framework with partners and networks, and encourage the exchange of ideas and best practices at all levels.
From the day it was launched until June 2022, stakeholders and rural actors can join the Rural Pact Community and share their own reflections and ideas on its implementation and development. In June 2022, the Commission will organise a Rural Pact high-level conference to bring all contributions together and to define the next steps. And from there on the outcomes of the conference will be implemented.
