What changed

MOTION FOR A EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT RESOLUTION

P10_TA(2025)0122

on strengtheningStrengthening rural areas in the EU through cohesion policy

(2024/2105(INI))

Committee on Regional Development

PE766.660

European Parliament resolution of 17 June 2025 on strengthening rural areas in the EU through cohesion policy (2024/2105(INI))

The European Parliament,

A. whereas, currently, 137 million European citizens – nearly one in three – live in rural areas, which account for approximately 83 % of the EU’s territory; whereas one third of the population of rural areas lives in a border region; whereas 77 % of land used for farming (134 million hectares) and 79 % of forest (148 million hectares) are located in rural areas;

B. whereas according to Eurostat, average income in rural areas is 87.587,5 % of average income in urban areas;

C. whereas there are still disparities in cohesion policy funding between urban and rural areas, with urban areas receiving three times more cohesion funding than rural areas;

I. whereas over 40 % of land in rural areas is used for agriculture yet sadly the contribution of agriculture, forestry and fisheries to rural regions has decreased, both in economic and employment terms, to 12 % of all jobs and 4 % of gross value added;

J. whereas Parliament’s study on the future of the European farming model notes that the EU could lose 6.46,4 million farms by 2040, falling from 10.310,3 million in 2016 to 3.93,9 million;

K. whereas, in accordance with Articles 174, 175 and 349 TFEU, the EU aims to reduce development gaps between the different regions and coordinate its policies, including using the European Structural and Investment Funds to achieve the objectives of economic, social and territorial cohesion, with a particular focus on rural areas;

AA. whereas these areas bear the brunt of depopulation, and whereas it is mainly young people leaving them as a result of job shortages and dim career prospects, and this fuels the rural exodus, resulting in an increased share of older residents and a greater risk of social isolation;

AB. whereas rural areas have the highest share (12.6(12,6 %) of young people aged 15-29 not in employment, education or training (NEETs);

AC. whereas generational renewal is one of the nine key objectives of the CAP;

73. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission.

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

This report has come about because, despite occupying 83 % of the EU territory and being home to a quarter of its population, rural areas are facing serious difficulties as a result of major demographic, economic and social challenges. These difficulties can be seen from the GDP per capita figures, which are well below the European average and point generally to the persistent disadvantage of rural with respect to urban areas.

With its aim to reduce regional disparities and foster balanced development, EU cohesion policy has a key role to play in securing a sustainable future for these areas at risk of being left behind as a result of population ageing, youth emigration, a lack of services, and limited job and social opportunities.

In particular, with this report we intend to vehemently stress the central importance of rural areas to the Union economy, not only as the cradle of food production, but also as guardians of our invaluable cultural and landscape heritage. Protecting and reviving these areas is therefore essential to safeguarding European diversity and ensuring that wider Union progress does not come at the expense of a large share of its territory and people.

It is of paramount importance that policies and tools supporting rural areas are bolstered, particularly through the application in full of Article 174 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which aims to reduce the development gaps between different regions, with a particular focus on rural, mountainous, insular and outermost areas. Against this background, cohesion policy should be an engine for development and inclusion, and put into effect a series of tangible initiatives and measures designed to meet the specific needs of these areas, supporting their diversity and self-sufficiency, and promoting tailor-made measures that take account of local specificities.

In this regard, the implementation of cohesion policies will need to go hand in hand with closer cooperation among local, regional and national authorities, to ensure that resources and measures are truly able to meet the specific needs of each individual area.

The economic growth of 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. A strategic long-term investment in these sectors will contribute not only to improving quality of life in rural areas but also to curbing depopulation, attracting back young people, respecting their right to stay and spurring rural entrepreneurship, particularly in the agricultural and agri-food sector, which remains a mainstay of the economy in these areas.

Infrastructure in Europe’s rural areas is crucial for providing access to key services and promoting economic and social development. In particular, the quality of transport and connectivity should be improved so that people have easy access to schools, hospitals, public services and job opportunities. Road and rail transport links need to be developed and upgraded to reduce the isolation of rural areas and facilitate the mobility of people and goods. It is only through the proper development of infrastructure (particularly in the transport and connectivity sector) that it will be possible to spur growth and improve the quality of life in rural areas. The EU and Member States therefore need to adopt targeted measures and invest sufficient resources to bridge infrastructure gaps, thus supporting competitiveness and social inclusion in these areas. Bridging the digital gap is also key. Boosting digital skills and providing access to reliable online services, such as high-speed internet connections and 5G, will make rural areas more competitive. This will help to bring down emigration by encouraging remote working and online learning, thereby opening up new opportunities.

Aside from transport and connectivity, investments to upgrade and extend energy infrastructure are also essential, as they ensure reliable and efficient access to energy, including renewable energy systems.

One point worth emphasising concerns policies for young people – the main protagonists of the rural exodus. Providing 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. In particular, cohesion policies should promote greater equality of opportunity between urban and rural areas, so that young people can reach their potential and build a future without being forced to abandon their place of origin.

Support for women in rural areas is also important, as they often face extra challenges, including limited access to job opportunities, a lack of adequate measures to help them juggle work and family, and the shortage of childcare facilities.

What is more, it should be stressed that Europe’s rural areas have a key role to play in the climate transition, as they are on the front line of challenges pertaining to the sustainability and resilience of our continent. The European Union should advance policies that help rural areas steadily adapt to climate change, without jeopardising their capacity to produce basic goods. Against this background, agriculture has a crucial role to play, not only as a productive sector (often synonymous with excellence and quality) but also as a key element in sustainable land management. It is necessary to help farmers innovate and diversify, while at the same time boosting the competitiveness of farms. The transition to a more sustainable model requires a balanced approach: one that is mindful of local specificities and the economic needs of rural communities, without imposing changes liable to hinder their long-term development. This points to the need to provide these areas, as well as businesses, and farm and forest holders, with sufficient financial support, not least to enable them to cope with desertification, isolation and heat waves.

Looking to the future, greater emphasis must be placed on preventive measures to enhance the resilience of Europe’s rural areas in the face of natural disasters. An integrated approach to managing water resources is paramount in order to simultaneously prevent floods and tackle drought – two growing threats in many rural regions. Building new or reinforcing existing dams must be a priority. Although cohesion policy already supports initiatives in this area, new projects and further investment are needed, in line with national and regional risk management strategies, to ensure that rural areas are better prepared for, and able to withstand, extreme climate events.

This report also highlights the role of tourism, which is a major source of income for many rural areas with the potential to draw in growing numbers of visitors curious to discover their culture, nature and traditions through the unique experiences on offer. Investing in rural tourism, in synergy with the agricultural, food and cultural sectors, means not only improved accommodation facilities and a better supply of activities with which to showcase the local produce, culture and identity, but also fresh economic opportunities for local communities, encouraging job creation and entrepreneurship while keeping local traditions alive. It would also be appropriate to support the development and management of rural tourist amenities by making technology more accessible and rolling out digital services to rural areas.

There should be a special focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are the backbone of the rural economy, making a significant contribution to job creation, economic diversification and social vitality in rural communities. Often active in traditional sectors such as agriculture, crafts or local services, SMEs are also integral to the resilience of rural areas, as they diversify income streams and decrease the dependence on more vulnerable economic sectors. Supporting rural SMEs means providing them with access to the resources, technology and skills they need to grow and innovate. Policies need to be promoted which facilitate access to finance, improve digital infrastructure and foster cooperation, so as to boost their capacity to adapt to economic challenges and to contribute to sustainable economic development in rural areas.

All of this can be achieved only by putting forward a vision for a post-2027 cohesion policy that lays emphasis on promoting regional equality, lowering territorial imbalances and supporting less-developed areas, for the sake of robust and lasting economic, social and territorial cohesion. In this regard, the upcoming multiannual financial framework (MFF) presents an opportunity to devise – in close cooperation with the local, regional and national authorities – a cohesion and growth policy that is more robust, more up-to-date and better adapted to current needs. We therefore stress the importance of the upcoming, post-2027 financial programming period, which represents a key opportunity to channel EU funds towards rural areas. The Commission, co-legislators and Member States need to work closely together to see to it that resources are allocated efficiently and that cohesion policies meet the specific needs of these areas, with a particular focus on tools supporting sustainable growth, youth employment, service improvements and infrastructure upgrades. We are also calling for a strong commitment from the Commission and Member States to mainstream rural issues into future EU policies, so that all policy initiatives are consistent with the goal of reducing territorial disparities.

Aside from the requisite funds, a further push for better regulation is also needed to restructure and reduce the administrative burden and enable beneficiaries (particularly SMEs and rural communities) to access funds more simply and efficiently. Optimising procedures, cutting red tape and enhancing transparency are vital to improving access to the available resources.

To conclude, it is essential to devise long-term strategies to support rural areas, centred on the principles of cohesion and sustainability and providing the necessary tools to address demographic, social and economic challenges, in order to ensure that these areas do not become forgotten places, but rather key players in Europe’s future without needing to continually depend on extraordinary measures.

ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

The rapporteur declares under his exclusive responsibility that he did not receive input from any entity or person to be mentioned in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.

9.4.2025

OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

for the Committee on Regional Development

on strengthening rural areas in the EU through cohesion policy

(2024/2105(INI))

Rapporteur for opinion: Cristina Guarda

AMENDMENT

The Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development submits the following to the Committee on Regional Development, as the committee responsible:

Amendment 1

Motion for a resolution

Citation 1 a (new)

Amendment 2

Motion for a resolution

Citation 11 a (new)

Amendment 3

Motion for a resolution

Citation 17 a (new)

Amendment 4

Motion for a resolution

Citation 18 a (new)

Amendment 5

Motion for a resolution

Citation 23 a (new)

Amendment 6

Motion for a resolution

Citation 25 a (new)

Amendment 7

Motion for a resolution

Citation 25 b (new)

Amendment 8

Motion for a resolution

Citation 25 c (new)

Amendment 9

Motion for a resolution

Recital A

Amendment 10

Motion for a resolution

Recital A a (new)

Amendment 11

Motion for a resolution

Recital B

Amendment 12

Motion for a resolution

Recital B a (new)

Amendment 13

Motion for a resolution

Recital B b (new)

Amendment 14

Motion for a resolution

Recital C

Amendment 15

Motion for a resolution

Recital C a (new)

Amendment 16

Motion for a resolution

Recital D

Amendment 17

Motion for a resolution

Recital D a (new)

Amendment 18

Motion for a resolution

Recital E

Amendment 19

Motion for a resolution

Recital E a (new)

Amendment 20

Motion for a resolution

Recital E b (new)

Amendment 21

Motion for a resolution

Recital E c (new)

Amendment 22

Motion for a resolution

Recital F

Amendment 23

Motion for a resolution

Recital G

Amendment 24

Motion for a resolution

Recital G a (new)

Amendment 25

Motion for a resolution

Recital G b (new)

Amendment 26

Motion for a resolution

Recital H

Amendment 27

Motion for a resolution

Recital H a (new)

Amendment 28

Motion for a resolution

Recital I a (new)

Amendment 29

Motion for a resolution

Recital J

Amendment 30

Motion for a resolution

Recital J a (new)

Amendment 31

Motion for a resolution

Recital J b (new)

Amendment 32

Motion for a resolution

Recital J c (new)

Amendment 33

Motion for a resolution

Recital J d (new)

Amendment 34

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 1 a (new)

Amendment 35

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 2

Amendment 36

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 3

Amendment 37

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 4

Amendment 38

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 4 a (new)

Amendment 39

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 4 b (new)

Amendment 40

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 4 c (new)

Amendment 41

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 4 d (new)

Amendment 42

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 5

Amendment 43

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 6

Amendment 44

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 6 a (new)

Amendment 45

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 6 b (new)

Amendment 46

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 6 c (new)

Amendment 47

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 7

Amendment 48

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8

Amendment 49

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8 a (new)

Amendment 50

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8 a (new)

Amendment 51

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 9

Amendment 52

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 9 a (new)

Amendment 53

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 10

Amendment 54

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 10 a (new)

Amendment 55

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 10 a (new)

Amendment 56

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 10 b (new)

Amendment 57

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 10 b (new)

Amendment 58

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 10 c (new)

Amendment 59

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 11

Amendment 60

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 11 a (new)

Amendment 61

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12

Amendment 62

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12 a (new)

Amendment 63

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12 b (new)

Amendment 64

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 13

Amendment 65

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 13 a (new)

Amendment 66

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 13 b (new)

Amendment 67

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 13 c (new)

Amendment 68

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 13 d (new)

Amendment 69

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 13 e (new)

Amendment 70

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 13 f (new)

Amendment 71

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 14

Amendment 72

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 14 a (new)

Amendment 73

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 14 b (new)

Amendment 74

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 14 c (new)

Amendment 75

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15

Amendment 76

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15 a (new)

Amendment 77

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15 b (new)

ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

Pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure, the rapporteur for opinion declares that she received input from the following entities or persons in the preparation of the opinion, prior to the adoption thereof in committee:

The list above is drawn up under the exclusive responsibility of the rapporteur for opinion.

Where natural persons are identified in the list by their name, by their function or by both, the rapporteur for opinion declares that she has submitted to the natural persons concerned the European Parliament’s Data Protection Notice No 484 (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/data-protect/index.do), which sets out the conditions applicable to the processing of their personal data and the rights linked to that processing.

INFORMATION ON ADOPTION BY THE COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL BY THE COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

INFORMATION ON ADOPTION IN COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL BY THE COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE