The sixth meeting of the Rural Pact Coordination Group (RPCG) on 6 November overviewed the European Commission’s proposals for the post-2027 EU budget, reflected on the update of the EU Rural Action Plan, and discussed proposed actions emerging from Rural Pact and stakeholder events.
Edina Ocsko, Vice-Chair of the RPCG, led the session on ensuring stronger integration of the RPCG Declaration into the new policy framework. She highlighted key provisions of the Declaration that are insufficiently reflected in the current draft regulations—most notably the call for 30% ring-fencing of funds for rural development beyond agriculture, and for stronger support to place-based approaches, including LEADER and Smart Villages, in line with the proposals of ELARD and the Smart Village Network Services.
Recognising the current window of opportunity to influence future EU policies, the Group agreed to advance these priorities immediately, beginning with the development of a new position paper addressed to EU and national decision-makers.