News – Page 4 – PREPARE

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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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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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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FUTURAL Project – EU-RIF Event!

PREPARE is proud to be a key partner in the ongoing EU-Rural Innovation Forum (EU-RIF), held under the FUTURAL Project, a Horizon Europe initiative focused on fostering innovation, resilience, and sustainability in rural regions across the continent. This two-day event brings together a vibrant mix of stakeholders – from grassroots rural innovators to EU-level project leaders – for workshops, dialogue, and co-creation activities aimed at shaping the future of rural Europe. Day 2 Highlights – C...
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PREPARE and ERCA Co-Host FUTURAL Workshop on Smart Rural Solutions

On 6 May 2025, PREPARE AISBL and ERCA – European Rural Community Alliance – were proud to jointly host the online workshop “Applying Smart Solutions to Rural Communities.” This engaging and impactful session brought together stakeholders from across Europe to explore how smart and participatory approaches are advancing rural resilience through the FUTURAL project. The workshop featured a range of contributions and discussions that highlighted the transformative potential of collaborative innova...
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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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Empowering Communities to Shape the Future of Rural Europe

Published on the Rural Pact Platform, the new policy briefing titled “Empowering Communities to Take Action for the Rural Vision” offers a strategic roadmap to strengthen local engagement and enable rural areas to thrive. The EU’s Long-Term Vision for Rural Areas sets an ambitious path toward stronger, connected, resilient, and prosperous rural communities by 2040. Central to achieving this vision is empowering the people who live and work in these areas to take ownership of their future. The l...
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