The 4th Balkan Rural Parliament (BRP) took place from 21–24 April 2026 in Bar, Montenegro, bringing together over 80 participants from across the Western Balkans and Europe. Representatives of civil society, rural networks, public institutions, and international organisations gathered to strengthen rural voices and advance sustainable rural development in the region.
Organised under the theme “From Dialogue to Action: Advancing Rural Democracy and Sustainability in the Western Balkans,” the Parliament created a space for dialogue, cooperation, and concrete action.
Day 1: Dialogue, Exchange and Inspiration
The opening of the Parliament set a strong foundation, highlighting the growing role of rural communities in shaping policies and development processes.
As emphasised by Petar Gjorgievski, President of the Balkan Rural Development Network:
“The rural voice is no longer a whisper in the halls of decision makers. It is a clear, structured, and respected dialogue that influences national strategies and regional policies.”
The first day featured panel discussions addressing key rural development challenges:
- Youth engagement and generational renewal
- Climate change and circular bioeconomy
- Sustainable food systems
- Community-led development
In the afternoon, participants visited local initiatives in the Bar region, including Kuća Maslina, Lućka olive oil production, and Drita’s Natural Products (ljekovito.me). These visits offered valuable insight into local entrepreneurship, innovation, and the richness of rural communities.
Day 2: From Dialogue to Action
The second day focused on co-creation and practical outcomes. Participants worked in interactive groups to identify priorities, exchange experiences, and develop concrete recommendations.
The working sessions addressed the same key themes, ensuring continuity and deeper engagement:
- Youth in rural areas
- Climate change and circular bioeconomy
- Sustainable food systems
- Community-led development
The results of the group work were presented through an interactive poster session, encouraging feedback, exchange, and further refinement of ideas.
Draft Declaration and Key Outcomes
A central moment of the Parliament was the presentation of the Draft Declaration, delivered by Petar Gjorgievski. The document outlines shared priorities and recommendations aimed at strengthening rural development, governance, and cooperation in the Western Balkans.
The Declaration reflects the collective input of participants and represents a key outcome of the Parliament.
Recognising Innovation and Strengthening Networks
The programme also included the Regional Farm to Fork Academy Awards, recognising initiatives that contribute to sustainable agriculture and rural development.
In parallel, the PREPARE Gathering and General Assembly took place, further strengthening cooperation among European rural networks.
During the event, the PREPARE Board Meeting was held, where new Board members were selected:
- Dragan Roganović (Serbia)
- Ryszard Kamiński (Poland)
- Petar Georgijevski (North Macedonia)
Their appointment reinforces PREPARE’s commitment to inclusive leadership and strong regional representation.
Looking Ahead
The 4th Balkan Rural Parliament concluded with a summary of achievements and a forward-looking perspective on continued regional cooperation.
The event demonstrated the importance of connecting policy, practice, and people, and reaffirmed the role of rural communities as active contributors to sustainable development.
Acknowledgements
The event was supported by the CEI Cooperation Fund; the German Government through GIZ within the Regional Climate Partnership between Germany and the Western Balkans; the EU-funded project Farm to Fork Academy for Green Western Balkans – Our Shared European Future; RIBES – Regional Inclusive Biobased Entrepreneurship Solutions; and the SWG – Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group in South East Europe.
