Inverurie, Scotland – 20–23 October 2025
The 6th European Rural Parliament (ERP 2025) gathered over 400 delegates from 43 countries in Inverurie and the North East of Scotland to celebrate, connect and co-create the future of rural Europe. The event, held under the theme “Strength from Opportunity: Rural Community Solutions to Global Challenges,” once again proved that the people of rural areas are not just beneficiaries of policy – they are drivers of change.
Organised in partnership by ELARD, ERCA, PREPARE, and Rural Youth Europe, and supported by Scottish Rural Action, the ERP is a participative democratic process that amplifies rural voices across the continent. It serves as a bridge between communities, networks, policymakers and institutions – turning shared experience into shared action.
Day 1 – Opening in Inverurie: Rural Spirit and Shared Purpose
The Parliament opened on 20 October with a celebration of Scottish culture and a warm welcome from the hosts and organising partners.
Among the opening speakers was Āris Ādlers, PREPARE, who welcomed participants on behalf of the network and reflected on PREPARE’s long-standing mission to connect rural movements across Europe.
“The European Rural Parliament reminds us that rural people hold the solutions Europe needs – solutions built on cooperation, trust and shared responsibility,” said Ādlers.
The evening also featured the Doric storytelling tradition, local music and arts, setting a tone of creativity and connection for the days ahead.
Day 2 – Dialogue, Cooperation and Recognition
The second day brought an energetic programme of keynotes, thematic workshops and the European Rural Youth Parliament.
PREPARE members were active throughout the day, contributing expertise and leadership:
-
Evelina Azizaj, Vice President of PREPARE, joined the opening plenary.
-
Goran Šoster (PREPARE & ELARD) led a workshop on Rural Parliaments: Developing a European-wide Movement.
-
Kim Smedslund moderated Defending Democracy from the Ground Up.
-
Miodrag Matavulj, Secretary General of PREPARE, co-chaired the EU and Neighbours – Balkans Summit, strengthening cooperation with partner networks in South-East Europe.
-
Monika Slaninová presented the Slovak initiative “Líderka – Rural Woman” and the European Citizen Innovative (ECI) platform, highlighting the role of women and civic innovation in shaping rural futures.
A special moment of pride came when Hannes Lorenzen was presented with a Certificate of Honour Membership of PREPARE, acknowledging his lifetime of commitment to rural cooperation and his inspiring leadership within Europe’s rural movement.
Day 3 – Study Trips and the Michael Dower Awards
On 22 October, participants set out across North East Scotland to experience first-hand community initiatives on energy, tourism, mobility, environment and wellbeing.
In the evening, attention turned to the Michael Dower Awards for Rural Resilience, honouring those whose work embodies the late Michael Dower’s legacy of dedication and hope for rural people.
Individual Award: Vasilis Kostakis – recognised for his pioneering work linking open knowledge, community innovation and rural resilience.
Community Award: Knoydart, Scotland – celebrated for its inspiring model of collective ownership and sustainable community development.
Michael Dower’s “Four Principles of a Fulfilled Life” – Dare the Impossible, Do it Now, Help if You Can, Be Reliable – resonated deeply as guiding words for those working for stronger rural communities across Europe.
Day 4 – The Declaration of Inverurie
The final day focused on the future of rural policy and the legacy of the European Rural Parliament.
In sessions moderated by Hannes Lorenzen, Pawel Krzeczunowicz and others, speakers from EU institutions, governments and rural networks discussed how to embed rural perspectives within European policy frameworks.
Representing PREPARE, Miodrag Matavulj, Goran Šoster, Evelina Azizaj, Kim Smedslund, and Monika Slaninovájoined colleagues Vanessa Halhead (ERCA) and Anja Fortuna (Rural Youth Europe) in signing the 2025 Declaration of Inverurie – a unifying statement of rural solidarity and action:
“We, the people of rural areas, hold the keys to the solutions Europe needs. We are capable. We are strong communities. We create essential solutions for life together, on the ground.”
The Declaration calls for recognition, support and genuine partnership between communities and decision-makers – urging Europe to remove barriers and trust the capacity of its rural citizens.
Looking Forward
ERP 2025 reaffirmed that Europe’s rural future depends on collaboration, innovation and solidarity. PREPARE’s active role across all sessions reflected its mission: to connect, empower and represent rural people throughout Europe.
Guided by the timeless words of Michael Dower –
“Dare the impossible. Do it now. Help if you can. Be reliable.”
– PREPARE and its partners move forward, committed to building a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable rural Europe.
