Events

Presentation of the European Rural Parliament and the Inverurie Declaration at the EESC

On 28 January 2026, the European Rural Parliament (ERP) and the Inverurie Declaration 2025 were presented to members of the NAT Section of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) in Brussels. The ERP was represented by four European rural organisations: PREPARE, represented by Miodrag Matavulj, Secretary General ERCA, represented by Tom Jones, President ELARD, represented by Piotr Sadlocha, President Rural Youth Europe, represented by Adriana Borsellino ...
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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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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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