European Parliament adopts Resolution on long-term vision for rural areas

The European Parliament approved today (13/12) the text of the Resolution (understand here) on "long-term vision for rural areas in the European Union". It aims to develop “stronger, more connected, resilient and prosperous rural areas by 2040”.

The act was based on a communication from the Commission (understand here), of 30 June 2021, entitled "A long-term vision for EU rural areas – Towards stronger, connected, resilient and prosperous rural areas by 2040". In the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals. And in the Paris Agreement adopted at the 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. In addition to several other treaties and regulations.

In the document, Parliament highlights challenges and opportunities for rural areas. One of the challenges is the demographic decline and aging of the rural population. Also in the rural exodus. The adopted text expressly states that the public policies adopted so far have not been sufficient to reverse the trend.

The growing discontent of rural populations is mentioned in the text. These people consider themselves excluded from the countries' decision-making processes. And they believe they are not sufficiently represented.

One of the solutions suggested would be the creation of a "rural pact". Through it, in some way, the interests of the communities would be better presented. However, as the text deals with an objective, there is no explanation as to how this would occur.

Still in the field of intentions, the Resolution points out that citizens in rural areas must benefit from equitable conditions "to achieve their professional, social and personal objectives". And it emphasizes the "most vulnerable groups".

The document also points out that "unfair commercial practices continue to be a serious problem in the agricultural sector".

The full text of the Resolution can be read at the link below: