Events – PREPARE

PREPARE at the Rural Pact Conference: Turning Vision into Action for Rural Europe

On 16-17 September 2025, PREPARE proudly joined over 250 representatives from across the EU at the Rural Pact Conference: “From Vision to Action: Empowering rural areas for the future”. Hosted at the Château du Biez in Pecq (Kortrijk), Belgium, the event was a milestone in advancing the EU’s Long-Term Vision for Rural Areas (LTVRA) and the Rural Action Plan. What the Conference Was About The Rural Pact Conference brought together community organisations, public authorities, businesses...
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Rural Pact Coordination Group Meets in Brussels to Advance Vision for Rural Europe

Brussels, 4 June 2025 — The fifth meeting of the Rural Pact Coordination Group convened in Brussels, bringing together representatives from EU institutions, national and regional authorities, and rural stakeholders to propel the Rural Pact agenda forward. This gathering marked a key milestone in the European Union’s commitment to fostering vibrant, resilient, and inclusive rural areas. The day opened with a comprehensive overview of the EU’s evolving rural policy landscape. A forward-looking pr...
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Living Lab Info Session Brings Rural Innovation to the Forefront

On Monday, May 5th, 2025, the PREPARE network, in collaboration with the European Network of Living Labs (ENoLL), hosted a successful Living Lab Info Session webinar. The event brought together stakeholders from across Europe to explore how Living Lab methodologies and Open Innovation can foster citizen participation and drive sustainable development in rural areas. The session, held via Zoom, attracted participants from PREPARE member organizations, the GRANULAR project’s Replication Labs, and...
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Upcoming Webinar: Living Lab Info Session – May 5th, 2025

We are pleased to invite you to the upcoming Living Lab Info Session taking place on Monday, May 5th, 2025, from 14:00 to 16:00 CET. This webinar offers an in-depth introduction to Living Labs and the Open Innovation concept, focusing on practical applications for rural and territorial development. About the Session The session is co-organised by the European Network of Living Labs (ENoLL) and PREPARE, and aims to introduce the core principles, tools, and operations of Living Labs. It will...
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Register Now for the FUTURAL Policy Webinar – Shape the Future of EU Rural Innovation

Date: 21 May 2025Time: 9:30 – 11:30 AM (CET)Location: OnlineRegister here: https://bit.ly/3RIrY3uView the full agenda: https://bit.ly/3GwMBO1 As the EU prepares for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034), significant changes are expected in the way rural policies are designed and implemented. Now is the time to explore how community-led, social, technological, and business innovations can help build vibrant, sustainable rural areas. Join the FUTURAL Policy Webinar, an impor...
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The GRANULAR Rural Compass presented on European Rural Parliament MID-TERM EVENT

The European Rural Parliament (ERP) Mid-Term Event, organized in collaboration with the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), held in Brussels in January 30, 2025, was a pivotal gathering for rural stakeholders across Europe. Among the key contributions was the presentation of the GRANULAR Rural Compass by Goran Šoster from PREPARE, a tool designed to address the complexity and diversity of rural areas by providing better data and insights for policymaking. Understanding Rural Complexi...
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Shaping the Future of Rural Europe – PREPARE at the European Rural Parliament Mid-Term Event

On January 30, 2025, the PREPARE Network actively participated in the European Rural Parliament (ERP) Mid-Term Event, held in Brussels, Belgium. This significant gathering, organized in collaboration with the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), provided an opportunity for rural stakeholders, policymakers, and civil society organizations to engage in crucial discussions about the future of rural Europe. Key Highlights of the Event One of the most notable moments of the event was the ...
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Shaping the Future of Rural Europe: Join the European Rural Parliament Mid-Term Event

The European Rural Parliament (ERP), in partnership with the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), is excited to announce the Mid-Term Event scheduled for January 30th, 2025, at the VMA Building, Rue Belliard 99/101, Brussels, Belgium. This hybrid event is a pivotal gathering for policymakers, rural stakeholders, and ERP partners, dedicated to championing the voices of rural communities across Europe. A Decade of Rural Advocacy Since its inception in 2013, the ERP has been a cornersto...
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PREPARE Gathering 2025: A Milestone Event in Prague

We are thrilled to announce the revival of the PREPARE Gatherings with the upcoming PREPARE Gathering 2025, scheduled for March 26-27, 2025, in the beautiful city of Prague, Czech Republic. This long-anticipated event marks a significant milestone in our journey and reflects our shared commitment to fostering rural development across Europe, while strengthening our partnership and enhancing networking opportunities among members. We cordially invite you to join us for this momentous occasion,...
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PREPARE at the Rural Pact Enhancing Policy Coordination Meeting – 28.11.2024

On November 28, 2024, the Rural Pact Enhancing Policy Coordination meeting brought together key stakeholders to address critical issues in rural development across Europe. PREPARE was represented by Kim Smedslund, contributing to the discussions that emphasized integrated and sustainable approaches to fostering rural prosperity. The meeting began with a compelling presentation by an OECD representative, highlighting the need for integrated approaches in rural development. The presentation und...
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