PREPARE participated in the joint RUSTIK & RURBANIVE Conference, bringing together researchers, policymakers, practitioners and rural stakeholders from across Europe to explore innovative approaches for creating more resilient, sustainable and attractive rural areas.
Representing PREPARE were Goran Šoster, GRANULAR Project Coordinator, and Miodrag Matavulj, Secretary General of PREPARE, who actively contributed to discussions on the future of rural development and the role of rural civil society in European policy processes.
The conference showcased how research and innovation can help rural communities better understand local challenges and identify opportunities for sustainable development. Participants exchanged experiences on the use of data, place-based approaches and participatory methods that support evidence-based decision-making while ensuring that local communities remain at the centre of rural transformation.
A recurring message throughout the event was that there is no single “rural Europe.” Rural territories are diverse, each with unique strengths, challenges and development pathways. Effective policies therefore require flexible, place-based solutions built on reliable evidence and close cooperation between researchers, public authorities and local stakeholders.
The conference also highlighted practical examples from the RUSTIK, RURBANIVE and GRANULAR projects, demonstrating how innovative tools, local knowledge and stakeholder engagement can improve governance, strengthen community resilience and support smarter rural policies.
For PREPARE, participation in the conference provided an important opportunity to strengthen cooperation with European partners and contribute the perspective of organised rural civil society. As a long-standing advocate for community-led rural development, PREPARE continues to promote collaboration between local communities, research organisations and European institutions to ensure that innovation translates into real benefits for people living and working in rural areas.
The event reaffirmed that the future of rural Europe depends not only on better research and data, but also on stronger partnerships, active citizen participation and policies that recognise the diversity of Europe’s rural regions.
PREPARE remains committed to supporting these efforts and to ensuring that rural communities continue to play a central role in shaping Europe’s future.
