This will be the 1st policy event of ESIRA project. The webinar will provide a discussion of rural vulnerabilities, successful social economy initiatives, policy barriers, and future policy directions, bringing together key stakeholders to shape actionable solutions for the sustainable development of rural communities.
Rural communities across the European Union face a self-reinforcing cycle of decline. The lack of jobs and reduced access to essential services (such as healthcare and education) drive out-migration, particularly among young people. This, in turn, weakens local businesses and services and accelerates population ageing, ultimately affecting the long-term sustainability of rural areas.
The social economy offers an alternative model for rural development, one that fosters local empowerment by involving communities in the production of solutions to local challenges. The social economy promotes job creation, the development of tailored community services, sustainable economic activities and social cohesion, all of which contribute to revitalising rural areas and enhancing the well-being of their communities.
Insights from the Horizon Europe ESIRA project (Enhancing Social Innovation in Rural Areas) will provide evidence-based perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in rural areas. These insights will serve as the foundation for a policy debate with experts from the EU institutions, aiming to identify actionable strategies and pathways to foster more inclusive, prosperous and resilient rural communities.
Click here to register for the event.
The final agenda will be available soon on the event's website.
Additional info
Organiser
ESIRA
EU Stakeholders