News

PREPARE Signs Strategic MoU with the European Economic and Social Committee to Strengthen Rural Voice in EU Policy

Last week, PREPARE proudly participated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the European Rural Parliament (ERP) and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) at the EESC headquarters in Brussels. This MoU represents a significant step forward in formalising cooperation between rural civil society and EU institutions, with the shared aim of advancing sustainable rural development and ensuring the rural voice is heard in European policymaking processes. PREPARE w...
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Rural Europe at a Turning Point – What the Next EU Budget Must Deliver

Europe’s countryside matters. One-third of EU citizens live in rural regions that feed the continent, steward biodiversity and host most of its renewable-energy sites. Yet out-migration, ageing populations, patchy services and slow digital uptake threaten their future. A new Joint Opinion Paper from ERCA, PREPARE and ELARD argues that the 2028-34 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) must move rural development from the margins to the mainstream. The paper urges decision-makers to: Mak...
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Empowering Youth for a Greener Future: How Astronomy, Ecology, and Entrepreneurship Shape Sustainable Tourism Careers

In a rapidly changing world, sustainable tourism is emerging as a powerful tool to protect nature, empower communities, and spark economic innovation. The Starlight project is at the forefront of this movement—offering young people a unique opportunity to explore careers that blend astronomy, ecology, and entrepreneurship. Through hands-on training and interdisciplinary learning, Starlight equips participants with the knowledge and practical skills to design tourism experiences that celebrate r...
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PREPARE at the FUTURAL Annual Consortium Meeting in Bucharest: Advancing Smart and Inclusive Rural Innovation

Bucharest, Romania – June 16–17, 2025PREPARE (Partnership for Rural Europe) was proud to take part in the FUTURAL Annual Consortium Meeting, hosted by our project partner Universitatea POLITEHNICA din București (UPB). Represented by Leitrim Gërmizaj, PREPARE joined key stakeholders from across Europe to discuss progress, share knowledge, and co-develop strategies for building smarter, more resilient rural communities. A Strong Start: Project Synergy and Shared Vision The first day of the mee...
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New OECD Roadmap Calls for Place-Based, People-Centred Rural Policies to Boost Competitiveness and Sustainabilit

In the face of ongoing global transitions and mounting local challenges, a new OECD publication makes a compelling case for rethinking rural policy. It highlights the need for place-based, people-centred strategies to enhance competitiveness, improve service delivery, and ensure environmental sustainability across all types of rural areas.  Read the full publication here The report lays out a comprehensive roadmap for strengthening rural resilience, offering 16 policy recommendationstailored t...
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Join the Call for a Stronger Europe: Support for Ecological, Energy, Digital Transitions, and Territorial Development

A coalition of local actors and collectives across Europe has launched a powerful petition urging European institutions and national public authorities to take decisive action in supporting ecological, energy, and digital transitions, as well as territorial development.  Explore the petition and sign here At the heart of the petition is a call for a stronger, more supportive European Union—one that empowers local communities and rural territories to shape a sustainable and inclusive future. As...
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Final Call: Pre-Registration Closes Tomorrow for the 6th European Rural Parliament Gathering!

Time is running out! Tomorrow marks the final day to pre-register for the 6th European Rural Parliament (ERP) Gathering – a unique opportunity for ERP Country Teams and Network Partners to join one of Europe’s most influential rural movements. The European Rural Parliament is a grassroots-driven initiative that brings together rural people, communities, and organizations from across Europe. Its mission is to strengthen the voice of rural communities, advocate for better policies, and celebrate ...
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PREPARE at the GRANULAR General Assembly in Ourense, Spain

The General Assembly of the GRANULAR project – Giving Rural Actors Novel data and re-Useable tools – officially began on 27 May 2025 in Ourense, Spain, bringing together partners from across Europe to advance a shared mission: equipping rural areas with better data, indicators, and tools to support climate neutrality and socio-economic resilience. PREPARE AISBL is proud to be represented at this important gathering by Miodrag Matavulj, reaffirming our commitment to collaborative, evidence-based...
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PREPARE Contributes to Successful FUTURAL EU Policy Webinar on the Future of Rural Innovation

On May 21, 2025, PREPARE AISBL actively participated in the FUTURAL EU Policy Webinar titled “Smarter, Stronger and More Competitive Rural Areas: The Way Forward for EU Policies.” This event convened over 140 participants, including policymakers, researchers, and rural development practitioners, to discuss the role of community-led innovation in shaping the future of rural Europe. The webinar, organized by the European Association for Innovation in Local Development (AEIDL) and supported by the...
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