On 9 February 2022, the Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment (NAT) section of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) held a webinar to explore insights for the implementation of the Rural Pact towards a sustainable rural/urban development.
High representatives from several European institutions engaged in a conversation with EESC NAT Section members on the Long-Term Vision for Rural Areas (LTVRA) and the implementation of the Rural Pact as well as the potential role and areas of collaboration for the EU institutions. The EESC believes that all institutions need to be active facilitators for local urban/rural communities.
The EU’s LTVRA up to 2040 includes a Rural Pact alongside a Rural Action Plan. This Plan aims to foster territorial cohesion and create new opportunities to attract innovative businesses, provide access to quality jobs, promote new and improved skills, ensure better infrastructure and services, and leverage the role of sustainable agriculture and diversified economic activities.
SHERPA contributed to the Long-Term Vision for Rural Areas by presenting the key issues identified by the 20 SHERPA Multi-Actor Platforms (MAPs), and by the EU-level MAP. Have a look at the SHERPA Position Paper on the LTVRA.