The European Parliament has called on the European Commission and EU countries to pay more attention and allocate more funds to the modernization of rural areas. Although only 30% of the European population lives in rural regions, more than three-quarters of the EU territory is classified as rural.
With a "own" report adopted on Tuesday by Portuguese S&D politician Isabel Carvalhais, the European Parliament responded to a policy note from the European Commission, which the MEPs considered "too late and insufficient." The MEPs criticized the European Commission for the lack of concrete plans in the multiannual financial frameworks.
Although many rural residents live within accessible distance of urban areas and amenities, there are tens of millions of Europeans—especially in Central and Eastern European EU countries—who have very limited access to essential services.
The EU has reserved billions to repair the economic damage caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, but the European Parliament believes a larger share of that money should go to rural projects, including the development of utilities, internet access, and public transportation.
In the report on the long-term vision, approved with 465 votes in favor, 29 against, and 131 abstentions, the MEPs state that immediate action is necessary with clear and achievable goals such as higher minimum wages, good working conditions, and more funds for social integration.
The adopted resolution also points out that rural areas are increasingly facing depopulation due to aging, as many young people and families move to cities because of work and income opportunities.
This also impacts the agricultural sector, where more and more farmers and livestock breeders lack successors. Aging is one of the biggest challenges: for every farmer under the age of 35, there are more than six farmers over 65 years old.