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This issue of the EU Rural Review showcases rural communities across Europe taking the initiative to find practical solutions to challenges they face and seize new opportunities.

It explores how digital and social innovation can be used in new, creative ways to improve basic services in rural areas. It further looks at national and regional approaches to creating an enabling environment, as well as how the Rural Development Programmes can catalyse rural service innovation.

The content of this edition has been informed by the broader ENRD thematic work on ‘Smart Villages’.

This issue is dedicated to the theme of ‘improving RDP implementation’ and aims to help RDP authorities and other rural development stakeholders understand and focus on important RDP requirements and implementation tools. It addresses issues such as keeping RDPs focused on their agreed outcomes, simplifying their implementation, boosting financial performance, and launching Operational Groups.

This issue highlights the value of the organic approach to agriculture and the rural economy, as well as its wider societal and environmental benefits. It further provides insight into the evolving European policy landscape - including a detailed profile of the European Commission’s Action Plan on the Future of Organic Production in Europe - and the course it is setting for the future of the sector.

Innovation is at the heart of the Europe 2020 strategy, which aims to promote smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Today, European farmers are faced with the dual challenges of having not only to produce more, but also to do so in a sustainable manner. The reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) sees innovation as a key driver of sustainable agriculture and rural development.

Networking is a policy instrument within the framework of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) – otherwise known as Pillar 2 of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Experience shows that networks are an effective means of informing, inspiring and empowering local people in rural communities.

This issue of the EU Rural Review showcases some of the different types of innovation and creativity from EU rural areas.