The European Commission wants to update the rural policy alongside the Common Agricultural Policy. Recently, it was agreed that agricultural subsidies will be changed starting in 2023. The accompanying 'second pillar' for rural development (ELFPO) forms the main source of funding for the new long-term vision.
EU countries will first draft strategic plans for their national priorities within the CAP. In 2023, an evaluation will begin of the rural plans implemented up to that point. Based on this, decisions will be made about the direction to be taken and which rural areas need more funding.
At the end of this year, the European Commission, in collaboration with the Committee of the Regions, municipalities, provinces, and water boards, will assess how the objectives of a new rural vision can be achieved. A national observatory is planned to collect and analyze data.
Rural areas in the EU make up more than 80% of the territory and are home to 30% of the population, approximately 137 million inhabitants. Within twenty years, these areas must have access to good public services, be resilient, possess good digital and physical infrastructure, and form a socially inclusive society.
Citizens must have access to quality public services and be given the opportunity to actively participate in local decision-making and politics, as advocated.
Digital and physical infrastructure must ensure that rural and urban areas remain well connected, through sufficient roads and railways, reliable and frequent public transport, and the rollout of the 5G network.
Furthermore, the EU wants rural areas to become more resilient to economic crises, natural disasters, and the effects of climate change. According to Brussels, rural areas can become more prosperous by diversifying the regional economy. Additionally, the promotion of local products and innovation in the agro-food sector should also generate more wealth.