Rural populations across Europe are often disproportionately affected by poverty and social exclusion. Yet, climate and energy transitions—when designed with inclusion and equity in mind—can unlock powerful opportunities for building more resilient, competitive, and environmentally sustainable rural economies.
On 12 June 2025, during the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW 2025) in Brussels, experts and stakeholders gathered to explore innovative and inclusive approaches to sustainable rural development. The session showcased how climate and energy policies can be leveraged not just for decarbonisation, but also as tools for social cohesion and economic revitalisation in rural areas.
The discussion drew on the work and insights of four key initiatives at the forefront of this transformation: RENOVERTY, RURENER, RURALITIES, and JUSTPEPP. These projects are advancing models that embed social, economic, and environmental dimensions into rural policy and action—ensuring rural communities are empowered to lead the transition within their own territories.
Our Project Coordinator, Gabor Mester, joined the panel discussion and shared key insights from the RURALITIES project, highlighting its commitment to inclusive innovation and community-driven transformation.
“It was a great pleasure to engage in this insightful session, exchanging ideas with fellow panelists and participants on how we can effectively promote sustainable rural development through our initiatives—and explore ways to extend their impact beyond the EU.
Strengthening rural communities globally requires collaboration, innovation, and inclusive approaches—and it’s encouraging to see this conversation gaining momentum.” — Gabor Mester
A central theme of the session was the importance of locally grounded, participatory approaches to development. Speakers highlighted that for rural areas to thrive under new policy frameworks such as the Clean Industrial Deal, it is essential to ensure no community is left behind. The integration of climate action with rural innovation, skills development, and access to clean energy was presented as a critical strategy for inclusive growth.
The session laid a strong foundation for future collaboration and policy alignment, setting the stage for transformative change that puts rural voices and leadership at the centre.
Couldn’t join us at EUSEW 2025 or want to revisit the discussion?
👉 Watch the full session recording here: https://interactive.eusew.eu/eusew-2025/sessions/59987e61-5568-45d1-97d7-9bc7f6d6b39b
