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This is the highlights report of the ENRD Workshop on 'Combatting Rural Depopulation: Creating new opportunities for vibrant rural areas'. 

It overviews the key drivers and effects of population decline in rural areas across the EU, looking at the role of the Rural Development Programmes (RDPs) and other EU policies and instruments in order to help create an enabling rural environment. It explores examples of projects contributing to the creation of business opportunities and the improvement of services and quality of life in rural communities, as well as examples of integrated approaches that can help combat rural depopulation.

This is the main report of a dedicated ENRD workshop which explored ways of responding to demographic change and promoting social inclusion in rural areas. It overviews existing hubs of activity and inspiring initiatives from across Europe around specific social inclusion and demographic change issues, including migrants and refugees, integration of Roma, role of arts and culture, young people and women.

This edition of the EAFRD Projects Brochure explores how people in rural areas have used EAFRD support to respond to the challenges and opportunities presented by the recent influx of migrants and refugees into the European Union.

Without judgement on broader migration policy questions, the brochure aims to provide a picture of what is actually happening in several rural areas in Europe to deal with the evolving situation in more positive ways. It presents projects under the sub-themes of ‘changing the narrative’, ‘jobs and the labour market’ and ‘coordinated responses’.

This issue highlights the relevance of EU Rural Development policy to wider societal challenges and the practical opportunities to deliver the greatest positive impact on the ground. It focuses on responses to the challenges of limited rural broadband internet access, global climate change and the current refugee crisis. It goes on to explore some of the new and developing EU policy tools: multi-funded CLLD; the European Fund for Strategic Investments; and the RDP Cooperation Measure.

News and updates covered by the summer 2015 edition of Rural Connections include ENRD thematic work on improving RDP implementation and stakeholder involvement; updates from EIP-AGRI and the Evaluation Helpdesk; and Rural Networks’ Steering Group meetings.

The "Rural issues, Rural perspectives" section features stakeholder voices speaking about topics ranging from rural networking in the Western Balkans to results-based agri-environment schemes (RBAPS) in Europe.

This edition also features “A Focus On…” improving RDP implementation, with reports from France on territorial development and from Ireland on integrated local development.

Social inclusion helps to ensure equal access for individuals and communities to opportunities, rights and resources - such as employment, healthcare, housing and civic engagement - that are key to social integration.