On 23 June 2026, rural stakeholders, policymakers, representatives of European institutions and civil society organisations will gather in Brussels for a key European Rural Parliament (ERP) follow-up event entitled “Putting Rural Civil Society in Position.”
The event, taking place at Scotland House, follows the successful 6th European Rural Parliament and seeks to transform the outcomes of the Declaration of Inverurie and its accompanying Call for Action into concrete policy dialogue and action at the European level.
From Rural Communities to European Policies
The European Rural Parliament has long served as a platform for amplifying the voices of rural citizens and communities across Europe. As the European Union begins discussions on its future policy framework beyond 2027, this follow-up event comes at a crucial moment.
Participants will assess progress made since the 6th ERP and explore how rural stakeholders can contribute more effectively to shaping key European policies, including:
- The post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF)
- The future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
- Future Cohesion Policy
- Rural governance and participation mechanisms
- Strengthening partnerships between rural civil society and European institutions
Strengthening Organised Rural Civil Society
Across Europe, rural communities continue to face demographic, economic, environmental and social challenges. At the same time, opportunities exist for innovation, community-led development and local action. Ensuring that rural people are not only consulted but actively involved in decision-making processes is essential for building resilient and sustainable rural areas.
The Brussels gathering will provide a strategic space for dialogue between rural organisations and policymakers, reaffirming the importance of organised rural civil society in European governance. Discussions will focus on how rural networks, community organisations and representative bodies can work together to create a stronger and more coordinated rural voice.
Defining the Future Role of the European Rural Parliament
A key objective of the event is to discuss how the rural voice can be organised more effectively at European level and what role the European Rural Parliament should play within this evolving landscape.
The expected outcome is the development of a shared strategy for strengthening rural representation in Europe and ensuring that rural communities remain active partners in shaping policies that affect their future.
As Europe prepares for important decisions regarding its budget, agricultural policy and territorial development after 2027, the contributions of rural citizens and organisations will be more important than ever.
The event represents another important step in ensuring that rural communities continue to be recognised not only as beneficiaries of policy but as active contributors to Europe’s future.
Follow the Event Online
The event will take place on:
đź“… 23 June 2026
🕚 11:00 – 15:00 CET
đź“Ť Scotland House, Brussels
Participants who cannot attend in person are welcome to follow the discussions online via livestream:
Meeting ID: 355 701 969 068 869
Passcode: kK26ru3Q
The event will bring together representatives of rural civil society, European institutions, policymakers and rural networks to discuss how the outcomes of the 6th European Rural Parliament and the Declaration of Inverurie can be translated into concrete actions and stronger participation of rural communities in European policymaking.
For more information about the European Rural Parliament, visit:
https://europeanruralparliament.com/