4 August 2025 – As the European Commission shapes the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034, the PREPARE Partnership urgently calls for rural communities to be meaningfully included in both policy and funding decisions.
Since its inception, PREPARE (Partnership for Rural Europe) has worked to amplify the voices of rural citizens and strengthen networks that bridge local communities with EU institutions. But the new MFF proposal risks sidelining rural development, in contradiction to the EU’s pledge to “leave no one behind.”
A Crisis of Representation and Equity
The statement warns of a growing “democracy deficit” in rural regions caused by urban-centric policies, inconsistent implementation across Member States, and sectoral lobbying that continues to dominate the agenda. The result? Rural communities face chronic neglect—manifested in depopulation, dwindling services, and fewer economic opportunities.
PREPARE also highlights the rising risks of populism and discontent as signs of systemic neglect. “Rural Europe cannot afford to be left behind—not in budgetary priorities, not in political discourse, and not in shaping the future of the European Union,” the statement reads.
Key Concerns About the Draft MFF
PREPARE has flagged several critical issues in the current MFF proposal:
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Over-centralization: A “one Big Beautiful Programme” gives Member States broad discretion, risking inconsistent rural support.
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LEADER sidelined: The flagship community-led rural development programme is not prioritized.
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Limited rural fit: The Competitiveness Fund focuses on industrial innovation, leaving rural needs largely unmet.
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Funding cuts: Real-term reductions of 20–25% are expected in agriculture.
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Weak focus on Enlargement: Pre-accession countries are barely visible in the budget narrative.
What PREPARE Is Calling For
To prevent rural Europe from being left behind, PREPARE urges EU institutions and Member States to include the following in the final MFF:
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Support civil society and Local Action Groups (LAGs) to contribute to food security, climate resilience, and energy transitions.
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Sustain and structurally fund rural networks at all governance levels.
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Expand and secure LEADER/CLLD funding, aligning it with key EU priorities.
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Create a place-based rural innovation programme to complement the agriculture-heavy EIP-AGRI.
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Ensure inclusive financing for social entrepreneurs, small farms, and rural enterprises.
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Invest in digital and AI readiness for rural areas, with fair access to research and capacity-building.
Crucially, PREPARE emphasizes the inclusion of candidate and pre-accession countries, given the EU’s broader strategic and security goals.
A Defining Moment for the EU
Guoda Burokienė, President of PREPARE, concludes with a call for bold action:
“True cohesion, resilience, and democratic legitimacy require that rural voices are not only heard—but are structurally supported, fairly funded, and empowered to shape Europe’s future.”
📄 Read the full document: PREPARE Follow-Up Statement on the Next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034)
Click here to view or download the full PDF