Date

10 Feb 2025

Location

Online

1st RURACTIVE Forum for smart, community-led rural innovation in EU

The Horizon Europe RURACTIVE project, launched in September 2023, aims to foster a just and sustainable transition of rural areas by developing smart, community-led, tailor-made, place based and inclusive solutions, to be implemented in 12 pilot areas (Dynamos) all over Europe. Its goal is to unlock the innovation potential of rural communities by addressing six integrated Rural Development Drivers: sustainable multimodal mobility; energy transition and climate neutrality; sustainable agri-food systems and ecosystem management; culture and cultural innovation; local services, health and wellbeing as well as nature-based and cultural tourism. These transversally integrate climate change mitigation and adaptation, social justice and inclusion, and biodiversity.

The Forum will build on RURACTIVE’s insights, facilitating discussions among stakeholders, project partners, and policymakers. With the upcoming EU term and the preparation of the post-2027 EU Budget, this is a timely opportunity to assess and improve how EU policies can promote smart, inclusive, and sustainable rural development.