News

Rural Europe Must Not Be Left Behind: PREPARE Calls for Inclusive EU Funding in the Next MFF

4 August 2025 – As the European Commission shapes the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034, the PREPARE Partnership urgently calls for rural communities to be meaningfully included in both policy and funding decisions. Since its inception, PREPARE (Partnership for Rural Europe) has worked to amplify the voices of rural citizens and strengthen networks that bridge local communities with EU institutions. But the new MFF proposal risks sidelining rural development, in contradic...
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European Commission Proposes €2 Trillion Budget with Strong Focus on Territorial Development

On 16 July 2025, the European Commission presented its proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the period 2028–2034. The proposal outlines a budget of nearly €2 trillion, equivalent to 1.26% of the EU’s Gross National Income (GNI). A key innovation in this budget is the introduction of National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs), giving Member States a more prominent role in shaping and implementing EU investment priorities. A Unified Approach to EU Funds The NRPP...
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Rural Voices Must Not Be Left Behind

A Statement from the PREPARE Network on the EU's Proposed MFF 2028–203418 July 2025 The PREPARE Network expresses its concern over the direction outlined by the European Commission for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034. The European Commission invited all Europeans to share their views on the next EU budget and the policies it should support, through a series of public consultations open until 6 May 2025. However, upon reviewing the new MFF proposal, it has become clear ...
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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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