19. #RuralPact: acting for the diverse rural areas of Europe

Much of the responsibility for the Rural Pact’s coordination and networking lies with the European Commission, but the inputs of national, regional and local governments are vital. The Rural Pact also encourages a diverse range of stakeholders including businesses, foundations and research institutes to act for – and with – rural areas to reach the goals outlined in the long-term vision. We hear from a rural activist and youth worker, Maria Bulnes, about the challenges she encounters in Cantabria, northern Spain; we hear the perspectives of Samuel Féret, a researcher working to sharpen the quality of data coming from rural areas for better policymaking; and Alexia Rouby, a European Commission official working to advance the Rural Pact as part of the EU’s commitment to thriving rural communities.