The European Union’s rural areas can move from crisis to opportunity if the EU’s cohesion policy is placed front and centre in shaping the Union’s rural development policy, ECR MEP Denis Nesci said today as the Committee on Rural Development approved his own-initiative report.

The file, entitled ‘Strengthening rural areas in the EU through cohesion policy’, sets out the need to deploy the tools and accumulated knowledge of the EU’s cohesion policy to transform the prospects of rural areas - especially those in mountainous, insular and outermost areas.

The text outlines that economic growth in rural areas depends on a whole host of targeted measures ranging from the development of infrastructure – particularly in the fields of transport, energy and digital connectivity – to the promotion of basic services, such as healthcare, education, access to career and economic opportunities, housing and water.

However, the report points to tackling key social indicators, including the exodus of young people from rural zones. The Parliamentarians want to provide them with better educational, career and social prospects, and improving their access to jobs and business opportunities, is essential to reversing the trend of demographic decline.

Mr Nesci said:

“Cohesion policy in the EU offers a wealth of experience and wisdom built up over decades that should be much better aligned with rural development goals.

“Our rural areas are in crisis, and they need integrated solutions that link together every aspect of life in the countryside.

“If rural communities are to flourish, we need to consider not only what’s needed to keep people living in the countryside but how we can attract newcomers too.

“Approaching this sector in a piecemeal fashion limits the value we can deliver for our citizens.

“What we need are strategic, carefully crafted EU investments that lay the foundations for a renaissance in the European countryside.

“Nothing symbolises the culture and heritage of Europe more than our rural communities.

“They deserve our innovation and renewed commitment in their battle for survival.”

The report is due to come before plenary in June 2025.