Less than two months before the European elections, members of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and of the European Parliament held a debate during the CoR plenary session on 18 April, stressing the most pressing challenges rural areas are facing.
During the debate, regional leaders addressed the complexities of rural development to members of the European Parliament, Colm Markey (IE/EPP), Isabel Carvalhais (PT/S&D), Dacian Cioloș (RO/Renew E.) and Lydie Massard (FR/EFA). CoR members Lorenzo Galligani (IT/ECR) and Niina Ratilainen (FI/Greens) also took part as speakers in this debate. They highlighted the crucial importance of agriculture for local economies and the urgent need for investment in infrastructure, public transport, social services and renewable-energy solutions.
Agriculture as the cornerstone of Europe's rural economies
Agriculture needs continued development to sustain communities and provide opportunities for young farmers. Participants of the discussion stressed that existing rural development policies often focus narrowly on agriculture, hindering efforts to address broader economic challenges. To overcome this, regional leaders called for a more diverse and region-specific approach to rural development. This includes initiatives prioritising sustainable farming practices while ensuring fair incomes for farmers. Closing the gap between farmer and consumer prices is crucial for agricultural sustainability, as is ensuring financial securities to the next generation to continue farming. Demographic and environmental shifts, such as a shortage of young farmers and natural disasters, further compound these challenges. By embracing innovation and inclusivity, Europe can unlock the full potential of its rural areas, fostering prosperity for all.
Unlocking the potential of rural development in Europe
There is an increasing acknowledgment of the necessity for a comprehensive approach to tackle the varied challenges and opportunities encountered by rural communities. CoR members and MEPs underlined that investment in town centres, coupled with the facilitation of remote working through broadband development, is vital for revitalising rural economies and combating the decline of rural communities. Additionally, improving infrastructure, including rail connections and transport networks, is urgently needed to enhance connectivity and attract both workers and investment to rural areas. Ensuring that rural communities have access to the same opportunities as their urban counterparts, particularly in terms of renewable-energy provision and infrastructure development, is paramount for fostering sustainable growth and narrowing the rural-urban divide.
Furthermore, discussants called for urgent action to address disparities and promote cohesion in rural regions. The need for targeted funds is advocated for better addressing the diverse needs of rural communities and promoting economic development. Recognising the unique challenges faced by rural areas, including issues related to depopulation, access to essential services, such as in the social and healthcare sectors, and environmental sustainability, is essential for formulating effective policies and initiatives. They highlighted that empowering local authorities and communities to take a bottom-up approach to rural development and ensuring that adequate financial resources are available are key steps toward fostering vibrant and resilient rural communities.
More information:
- Memorandum of Understanding betweet the CoR and the European Parliament on the European elections
- The Committee is cooperating with the European Parliament to feed and animate the together.eu platform, which gives citizens the possibility to connect and meet, share knowledge, learn new skills and discuss European issues that have an impact on the ground.
- The CoR conducted a study on “Rural areas and the geography of discontent", which applies a rural-urban lens to the outcomes of recent national and subnational elections of EU Member States, with the aim of analysing Eurosceptic (anti-EU values) voting patterns and identifying possible explanations for voter discontent in rural areas.
- The vice-chair of the Commission for Natural resources (NAT) of the CoR, Radim Sršeň (CZ/EPP), is chairing the Rural Pact Coordination Group. key governance body of the Rural Pact formed by up to 30 representatives from the Rural Pact community. Acting as a network of organisations and institutions, the RPCG plays a crucial role in further developing and steering the Rural Pact, representing the diverse range of participants involved in this initiative.
- CoR opinion on "Targets and tools for a Smart Rural Europe", by rapporteur Radim Sršeň (CZ/EPP).
- Long-term vision for rural areas.
- The CoR adopted an opinion on the European Commission's proposed regulation on new genomic techniques (NGT) and on plant reproductive material (PRM), led by Erik Konczer (HU/PES) during the 17-18 April plenary session, warning of serious risks for the future of European agriculture and putting forward its recommendations. Press release.
- The NAT commission is also working on an opinion on the future of the CAP, led by co-rapporteurs Isilda Gomes (PT/PES) and Piotr Calbecki (PL/EPP). The opinion will be adopted in the June plenary. More info.
Contact:
Theresa Sostmann
Tel: +32 475 999 415
Theresa.Sostmann@cor.europa.eu