Strengthening rural areas in the EU through cohesion policy
This resolution calls for strengthening rural areas across the EU by better utilizing cohesion policy funds. It aims to address the significant challenges these areas face, ensuring they remain vibrant and competitive parts of the Union. The law affects the nearly one-third of EU citizens living in rural areas, which constitute 83% of the EU's territory. This includes farmers, small and medium-sized businesses, young people, and vulnerable populations who often experience lower incomes and fewer opportunities compared to urban areas. Key changes include a call for increased cohesion funding for rural areas, which currently receive less than urban areas. It emphasizes simplifying access to funds, promoting synergies with other EU policies like the Common Agricultural Policy, and supporting initiatives like smart villages and short supply chains. The resolution urges the development of a dedicated rural strategy for the post-2027 period and calls for a report by 2027 on the application of a rural proofing mechanism to ensure EU policies consider rural needs.
Analysis
Nearly one in three European citizens, totaling 137 million people, reside in rural areas, which constitute approximately 83% of the EU's territory.
What changes
- The Commission is called upon to devise a rural strategy for the post-2027 programming period, ensuring its incorporation into relevant policies and allocating specific resources for rural development.
- The Commission is requested to report by 2027 on the application and results of the rural proofing mechanism for EU policies and interventions.
- The resolution calls for prioritised investments and policy measures to support a new generation of farmers, modernise EU agriculture, and create more opportunities in rural areas.
Expected impact
- Rural areas face significant demographic and structural challenges including ageing, population decline, brain drain, and growing inequalities, impacting income levels and employment.
- The decline in the number of farms and farmers in the EU could lead to a significant loss of farms by 2040, impacting rural economies.
- Cohesion policy funds for rural areas should be simplified to reduce administrative burdens for authorities and beneficiaries, aiming to increase absorption rates.
Limitations
- The document is a resolution and does not contain specific legislative text that would allow for detailed analysis of new legal obligations or amendments to existing regulations.
- Specific financial allocations or detailed implementation plans for the proposed measures are not provided in this text.
Shadow Rapporteurs
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