Policy Webinar - Smarter, Stronger and More Competitive Rural Areas: The Way Forward for EU policies

The AEIDL Policy Webinar “Smarter, Stronger and More Competitive Rural Areas: The Way Forward for EU Policies”, held on 21st May 2025, brought together over 140 participants from across Europe at a pivotal moment as EU institutions prepare the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), to be tabled in July 2025. Organised by the European Association for Innovation in Local Development (AEIDL) and supported by the European Local Innovation Forum (ELIF), the event presented the findings of FUTURAL’s policy analysis on existing support for community-led innovation in rural areas. It showcased country-specific practices and explored policy needs, gaps, and initial recommendations for the 2028–2034 programming period. The webinar provided a valuable opportunity to gather input from key EU institutions — including the European Commission, European Parliament, Committee of the Regions, and the European Economic and Social Committee — as well as leaders from pan-European rural networks such as ELARD, ERCA, and PREPARE. Discussions focused on how rural innovation can be better aligned with future EU policies. This online event aimed to: Present the findings of the policy analysis on EU-level support to community-led innovation in rural areas. Share country-specific examples of policies and governance frameworks that enable community-led innovation. Discuss policy needs, gaps, and recommendations to advance smart community-led innovation in the 2028–2034 programming period. Present the initial FUTURAL policy recommendations with contributions from project and external experts. More information on: https://www.aeidl.eu/news/news/a-win-...