Last July the European Commission presented its proposal for the next €2 trillion Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) covering 2028–2034. President Ursula von der Leyen described it as a budget designed to meet Europe’s strategic ambitions in a time defined by...
Author: Giulia Martino (Ecorys) Can rural proofing really help policymakers design better, fairer policies for rural areas? That’s what eight Multi-Actor Labs across Europe set out to explore as part of the GRANULAR project. From Finland to Greece, and...
Authors: Debora Pricila Birgier & Carlos Tapia (Nordregio) In many EU Member States, rural women face persistent structural disadvantages in labour markets. This has significant implications – not just for gender equality, but for the long-term resilience of...
Author: Yuval Damari (Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Montpellier) As Europe advances towards its climate neutrality goals, rural areas play a crucial role in this transformation. However, most existing tools for monitoring climate neutrality are primarily...
Brussels, 16 May 2025 – Experts, policymakers, and researchers gathered virtually for a dynamic session under the GRANULAR project, discussing how innovative tools, data, and policy frameworks can boost economic resilience and competitiveness in Europe’s rural...
Author: Maite Iglesias (AEIDL) March 18, 2025 – A total of 98 participants joined the latest GRANULAR webinar to explore the transformative role of Living Labs in shaping rural development across Europe. Organised by the European Association for Innovation in...
Author: Merveille Ntabuhashe (AEIDL) Yesterday, 75 actors convened to GRANULAR webinar to discuss the critical role of data in understanding and supporting rural communities. Organised by the European Association for Innovation in Local Development (AEIDL) as part of...
By University of Pisa, Ciheam IAMM and IIASA. The GRANULAR project recently released new guidelines and training materials for data collection. Developed in collaboration with inputs from the project’s seven Living Labs, the report offers practical steps for local...
Author: Giulia Martino (Ecorys) Let’s imagine that you are a policymaker tasked with designing a new mobility strategy in your region. Let’s assume that your strategy includes a policy commitment to provide free bus travel to all children under a...
Author: Merveille Ntabuhashe, AEIDL The role of rural areas in the current socio-economic landscape is crucial. Yet, these regions often face unique challenges that demand tailored policy solutions. The new OECD paper by Betty-Ann Bryce, titled "Rural Proofing:...
