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Shaping the Future of Rural Europe – PREPARE at the European Rural Parliament Mid-Term Event

On January 30, 2025, the PREPARE Network actively participated in the European Rural Parliament (ERP) Mid-Term Event, held in Brussels, Belgium. This significant gathering, organized in collaboration with the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), provided an opportunity for rural stakeholders, policymakers, and civil society organizations to engage in crucial discussions about the future of rural Europe.

Key Highlights of the Event

One of the most notable moments of the event was the meeting with European Commissioner Christophe Hansen, who delivered a keynote speech emphasizing the essential role of farmers in shaping the future of rural Europe. He stressed the need for enhanced support for farmers, innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture, and fair opportunities for rural businesses. His commitment to ensuring that rural voices—especially those of farmers—are central to EU policies was well received by participants.

The event also featured panel discussions on rural challenges, needs, and initiatives, as well as interactive sessions where rural organizations and policymakers exchanged ideas on strengthening rural communities.

Distinguished Contributors and Speakers

The ERP Mid-Term Event saw valuable contributions from numerous key rural leaders and experts, including:

  • Tom Jones (ERP Steering Group, ERCA) & Peter Schmidt (EESC NAT Section), who opened the event with a powerful message on the importance of rural representation in EU policymaking.
  • Vanessa Halhead (ERCA), Āris Ādlers (PREPARE), and Goran Šoster (ELARD), who led discussions on the current challenges facing rural communities across Europe.
  • David Lamb (EU CAP Network), Clara Hormigos Feliu & David Auteri (EC Joint Research Centre), who shared insights into European rural initiatives, Smart Villages, and the CAP Network.
  • Kim Smedslund (PREPARE) & Artemis Pana (Scottish Rural Parliament), who highlighted the connections between national rural parliaments and European policies.
  • Miodrag Matavulj (PREPARE, ERP Steering Group), who led discussions on innovative tools, rural research projects, and capacity-building initiatives to unlock the full potential of rural areas.
  • Monika Slaninová (Slovakian Rural Parliament), who represented rural youth and stressed the importance of young people’s engagement in shaping rural policies.
  • Hannes Lorenzen (ARC2020), who delivered an inspiring closing address on bold ideas for the future of rural areas.

Looking Ahead – European Rural Parliament 2025

One of the most anticipated announcements of the event was the confirmation that the 6th European Rural Parliament will take place on October 21-23, 2025, in Scotland. This will be a key moment to bring together rural communities, policymakers, and stakeholders from across Europe to discuss and shape a collective vision for the future.

The PREPARE Network remains committed to ensuring that rural voices are heard, and we look forward to actively contributing to the European Rural Parliament 2025 in Scotland.

Conclusion

The ERP Mid-Term Event reaffirmed the importance of collaboration, innovation, and advocacy in strengthening rural Europe. As we move forward, PREPARE will continue to support rural communities, engage with policymakers, and push for inclusive policies that prioritize rural needs.

We thank all the participants, speakers, and organizers who made this event a success and look forward to continuing this important journey together!

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