On 5 November 2025, Aris Adler represented the PREPARE Network at the Policy Lab “Rural areas and communities in the post-2027 EU budget and policies”, organised by the European Rural Pact in Brussels. The event gathered key policymakers, experts, and stakeholders from across Europe to reflect on the future of EU rural policy and discuss how rural areas can be better integrated into the next programming period after 2027.
The discussions focused on the evolution of rural development policy and the LEADER/CLLD approach, which remain central pillars for supporting community-led initiatives and local cooperation across Europe.
Key messages and proposals
Participants examined how the EU’s future rural framework could become more coherent, participatory, and responsive to local needs. The main points presented included:
-
The creation of a single National and Regional Partnership Plan, combining reforms, investments, and cooperation under one strategic structure.
-
Confirmation that LEADER and Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) will remain mandatory toolsfor supporting community-led initiatives.
-
A strong emphasis on local and regional cooperation, Smart Villages, and integrated territorial strategies to address diverse rural challenges.
-
Development of a broader partnership model, ensuring the active involvement of local authorities, NGOs, youth, businesses, and research institutions.
-
A continued shift towards people-centred and community-led approaches, reinforcing the role of citizens and local actors in shaping rural development.
Strengthening rural partnerships and community-led action
The proposed direction for post-2027 EU rural policies highlights a move toward a more coordinated and partnership-based framework, where local initiatives and cooperation play a stronger role in Europe’s territorial development.
For PREPARE, this event represented another important opportunity to engage in the European dialogue on the future of rural policy, to share perspectives from rural civil society, and to continue advocating for stronger support to community-led, inclusive, and sustainable rural development.
