On 23 June 2026, PREPARE actively participated in the ERP Follow-up Meeting – “Putting Rural Civil Society in Position”, held at Scotland House in Brussels. The event brought together representatives of European institutions, policymakers, rural networks and civil society organisations to discuss how to strengthen the voice of rural communities in the evolving European policy landscape.
The meeting was organised as a follow-up to the 6th European Rural Parliament (ERP) and aimed to transform the Declaration of Inverurie into concrete actions. Participants explored how organised rural civil society can contribute to key European policy discussions, including the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), Cohesion Policy, and the implementation of the Long-Term Vision for Rural Areas.
PREPARE’s Active Contribution
PREPARE was represented by Miodrag Matavulj, Secretary General, and Goran Šoster, who both played key roles throughout the programme.
Goran Šoster delivered a presentation highlighting the European Rural Parliament as a unique civil society movement bringing together more than 70 partner organisations across Europe. He emphasised the importance of maintaining a strong and coordinated rural voice capable of influencing European decision-making and ensuring that rural communities remain at the heart of future policy development.
During the afternoon, Miodrag Matavulj moderated one of the strategic working groups entitled “New ERP Partners: Building Alliances between ERP and Other Relevant Actors.” The discussion explored opportunities for expanding cooperation with new partners, strengthening cross-sector collaboration, and increasing the impact of the European Rural Parliament across Europe.
Both representatives also participated in the concluding ERP Steering Group panel, where moderators presented the outcomes of the group discussions and reflected on the next strategic steps for strengthening the role of rural civil society at European level.
Building a Stronger Rural Voice
Throughout the meeting, participants agreed that rural communities must be recognised as essential partners in addressing Europe’s economic, environmental and social challenges. Stronger cooperation between European institutions, policymakers and rural civil society organisations will be crucial to ensuring that future policies reflect the diversity and needs of rural territories.
The event reaffirmed PREPARE’s long-standing commitment to empowering rural communities, supporting participatory governance, and strengthening cooperation across Europe. Through its active involvement in the European Rural Parliament, PREPARE continues to advocate for a stronger, more connected and more influential rural voice at the European level.
As discussions on the next EU programming period continue, PREPARE remains committed to working alongside its partners to ensure that rural communities are not only heard, but actively shape the future of Europe.
