SURE - Sustainable and Resilient Communities

SURE- Sustainable and Resilient Communities

Empowering citizen-led rural communities for a resilient and sustainable future

What is SURE?

SURE (Sustainable and Resilient Communities) is a European project running from 2026 to 2028. It gives participants the chance to learn new ways of doing things, try out practical solutions, and have a real say in decisions and climate action.

The project brings together citizens, local leaders, community groups, young people and decision-makers through 14 interactive events. Together, they explore practical, real-life solutions to everyday challenges like food security, sustainable ways of living, and clean energy.

By working across countries, learning by doing, and having open conversations about European policies, SURE helps communities:

  • become stronger and better prepared for climate and economic changes
  • turn sustainability ideas into real local action
  • make sure local voices are heard at European level

Three strands - one vision

The SURE project runs over 24 months and is built around three thematic strands: sustainable food, living and housing, and renewable energy. The programme begins with a project-wide kick-off event that brings participants together to set a shared vision and connect local action with European priorities.

Each strand offers a complete learning journey that starts with an online introduction, continues with hands-on rural workshops, and concludes with a final session to share lessons learned and link local ideas to broader change. Alongside these thematic journeys, SURE also hosts cross-cutting events — including a transnational exchange of community solutions and a closing policy forum. You can follow one strand or take part in all three, at your own pace

SURE Introductory meeting - Online event- 23 April 2026
This opening event introduces the main themes — sustainable food, housing, and renewable energy — and why they matter in everyday community life. It creates a welcoming space for conversation and connection, inviting participants to share ideas and get involved in what comes next.
Sustainable and Healthy Food for All Citizens
Food strand picture
This strand is about helping people grow, access, and enjoy healthy food in ways that are good for both the planet and their local communities. It encourages regenerative and nature-friendly farming, supports local food producers, and highlights simple, practical ways to protect biodiversity while strengthening local economies and food security.
Sustainable Living and Circular Economy
Housing strand picture
This strand focuses on creating comfortable, resilient places to live that work in harmony with nature. It explores sustainable housing, circular ways of using resources, and community-led approaches that reduce waste and energy use, while bringing people together to shape healthier, more connected neighbourhoods.
Renewable Energy and Local Resilient Energy Communities
Energy strand picture
This strand helps communities take greater control of their energy future. It looks at how locally produced renewable energy can make energy more affordable and reliable, and how people can work together through energy communities to share benefits, reduce energy poverty, and strengthen local cooperation and participation.
Rural Communities for Climate Action Expo-In person- Oct 2027
This event brings people from different countries together to share stories, ideas, and hands-on experiences. It showcases inspiring community-led work around food, sustainable living, and renewable energy, and creates a friendly space for learning from one another and building new connections.
Shaping Future Rural Development & Climate Policy - Online Event- Dec 2027
This opening event introduces the main themes — sustainable food, housing, and renewable energy — and why they matter in everyday community life. It creates a welcoming space for conversation and connection, inviting participants to share ideas and get involved in what comes next.

11 upcoming events

SURE Workshop on Sustainable farming and gardening
SURE Workshop on Sustainable farming and gardening
From 13 to 15 Jul 2026
Gömörszőlős, Hungary
SURE Workshop on Regenarative agriculture and Hemp buildings
SURE Workshop on Regenarative agriculture and Hemp buildings
From 10 to 12 Sep 2026
Tomaszyn, Poland
SURE Energy strand Introductory event- online
SURE Energy strand Introductory event- online
Nov 2026
Zoom
SURE Food strand Policy event- online
SURE Food strand Policy event- online
Jan 2027
Zoom
SURE Workshop on Renewable energy in small communities
SURE Workshop on Renewable energy in small communities
Mar 2027
Pápateszér&Nagypáli (HU)
SURE Workshop on Earthship village
SURE Workshop on Earthship village
Apr 2027
Olst (NL)
SURE Workshop on Energy community technology
SURE Workshop on Energy community technology
May 2027
Stanz (AT)
SURE Energy strand Policy event- online
SURE Energy strand Policy event- online
Jul 2027
Zoom
SURE Energy strand Policy event- online
SURE Energy strand Policy event- online
Jul 2027
Zoom
SURE Rural Communities for Climate Action – Exhibition and Exchange Event
SURE Rural Communities for Climate Action – Exhibition and Exchange Event
Oct 2027
Hungary
SURE Shaping Future Rural Development & Climate Policy
SURE Shaping Future Rural Development & Climate Policy
Dec 2027
Zoom

How to join?

GET INVOLVED!

Join the SURE network to stay informed about upcoming events, project updates, and opportunities to get involved. By signing up, you’ll receive timely information, invitations to activities, and insights into the project’s progress, helping you stay connected and engaged as SURE develops.

You have a question? Email us on info@smart-village-network.eu

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Co-funded by the European Union
SURE is co-funded by the European Union.