"Rural areas produce food we consume on a daily basis, is home to several citizens, generates jobs, and provides essential ecosystems services. The pandemic has shown the importance of rural areas in food supply chains and their potential to become a centre of jobs and economic activity rather than a periphery. The EU's long-term vision for the rural areas is an opportunity to make rural areas and respective communities stronger, well connected, resilient and prosperous. I am committed to shape this vision in such a way that addresses the difficulties faced by rural areas across Europe, to relaunch the local economy and boost recovery." EPP-CoR member Juanma Moreno, made these remarks after being appointed rapporteur on the Long-term vision for the EU's Rural Areas by the European Committee of the Regions' (CoR) Commission for Natural Resources (NAT).
The long-awaited European Commission communication on a Long-term vision for the EU's Rural Areas seeks to push forward innovative solutions for the provision of services in rural areas; improve public transport services and connectivity, as well as deepening digital infrastructures; and diversify economic activities to new sectors for rural areas to be more prosperous. The long-term vision also seeks to make local economies resilient to climate change, natural hazards such as fires and economic crises. Juanma Moreno, who served as the CoR Rapporteur on the Climate Law has already called for climate action to take into account the economic development of regions including rural areas.
As part of his work, Juanma Moreno will be holding a consultation meeting with stakeholders and discuss the long-term vision with elected representatives from local and regional authorities across Europe during NAT Commission meetings. Further information will be available here.
Juanma Moreno has several good practices to share and input to contribute in the vision for rural areas having spearheaded the government of Andalusia in implementing various strategies, such as the strategy addressing the demographic challenge and the depopulation of rural areas. The Andalusian government is giving special attention to boost jobs in the agricultural sector in order to guarantee continuous regeneration of communities. To support rural communities, the government is also developing digital public services. Furthermore, the government is implementing a strategy on telecommunications infrastructure that includes actions to promote universal broadband coverage for centres of less than 20,000 inhabitants.
Moreno has been advocating in favour of rural areas and appealing for the Spanish Government to prioritize the interests of the countryside. His government has stepped in to support communities through 82 million euros for the modernization of the Andalusian agri-food industry - an activity that accounts for 11% of Andalusian GDP and that generates one in ten jobs in the community. This support is aimed at SMEs, large companies and olive producers.