​Rural areas across the European Union are facing long term systemic challenges including depopulation, shrinking labour force, the lack of essential services, and insufficient investments to respond swiftly to the green and digital transitions. The CoR bureau adopted the Logroño declaration on ensuring the development of thriving and vibrant rural areas, European local and regional leaders are urging the European Union institutions to fully involve and support rural areas for the success of the European project.

At the meeting our President Karl Vanlouwe called for a EU Blue deal which would deal with the increasing instances of drought and floods across Europe.  This also needs to be a priority for our Rural communities.  He further insisted that physical and digital connectivity needs to be a priority.  This was reinforced by Cllr Declan McDonnell who gave the examples of the west of Ireland where digital and transport facilities needed to be improved.  Cllr McDonnell also called for investment in sports facilities as an example of essential needs to ensure building cohesive communities in rural areas.