The European Commission has launched this Thursday a new rural observatory that provides users with information on population density, average distance to health centers or broadband speed in any rural area, municipality or region of the European Union.
The observatory also allows comparisons between different territories to reflect the multiple dimensions and diversity of rural areas and will be used to develop policies, carry out impact assessments of European initiatives and monitor progress on indicators relevant to the EU Rural Action Plan and the Rural Pact.
The platform will be managed by the Joint Research Center (JRC) and will be regularly updated with new indicators and data visualization. New collaboration tools will also be added to the EU rural vision website to better serve the needs of the rural pact community and all stakeholders interested in acting in favor of these territories.
Europe’s rural areas provide food, housing, jobs and essential services and to ensure that rural areas can continue to play this role, the European Commission set out in 2021 a long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas up to 2040. This plan identifies different areas for action to make rural areas and communities stronger, more connected, resilient and prosperous.
In addition, €60 billion is available under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for rural development over the period 2023-27.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
