1st meeting of the ENRD Thematic Group on Rural Proofing

Rural proofing is a mechanism that can help boost rural revitalisation by ensuring all relevant policies are aligned with rural needs and realities. It is also one of the transversal elements outlined in the Long Term Vision for Rural Areas. In the vision it is indicated that the EU will take steps to integrate a rural proofing mechanism as part of the Better Regulation Agenda, notably to assess the anticipated impact of major EU legislative initiatives on rural areas. The vision also calls for Member States to consider implementing the rural proofing principle at the national, regional and local level.  

This was the first meeting of the ENRD Thematic Group (TG) on Rural Proofing, which is launched with the ambition to support the design and implementation of rural proofing mechanisms within Member States at different administrative levels (national, regional and local). The meeting set the scene on rural proofing and provided a space for sharing knowledge and experience on what should be considered when designing rural proofing mechanisms and applying them in practice.

Aims of the meeting

• To provide an overview of existing experience on rural proofing in different countries, with a particular attention to success factors and challenges;
• To start discussing how to design effective rural proofing mechanisms taking into account specific contexts and different administrative levels; and
• To exchange on the further work of the Thematic Group, including activities in-between meetings.

Background documents 

• Highlights report
• Synthesis of the group discussion outcomes (Miro board)
• Agenda 
• Analytical overview of rural proofing approaches and lessons learned – background paper, Dr Jane Atterton, Rural Policy Centre, Scotland’s Rural College
• ENRD Rural Connections Magazine - focus on rural proofing (page 26 - 39)