A new EU strategy for rural areas

Policy Brief

How can EU actions support the revitalisation of rural areas? How can EU institutions put rural and remote areas at the centre stage of the just transition? 

This Policy Brief contributes to the reflection launched by the Commission’s work towards a “Long-term Vision for the EU’s Rural Areas” and aims at supporting and enriching the EU agenda promoting the revitalisation of rural and remote areas. 

After reviewing some of the potential risks facing the EU’s strategy for rural areas as it stands, the authors put forward concrete policy and governance recommendations to make rural development in the EU both environmentally and socially sustainable.

The recommendations build on exchanges with experts and identify ‘best practices’ that can be scaled up and replicated in order to:

• bolster sustainable agriculture and champion the energy transition; 
• attract investment; 
• nurture innovation systems; 
• promote community ownership; 
• and boost social vitality.