May 2026
Rural communities are creating new ways to live, work, innovate and care for people and landscapes. #RuralThrive50
From regenerative agriculture and renewable energy to social innovation, local entrepreneurship and digital connectivity, rural territories are shaping solutions for a more sustainable future. Yet too often, these stories remain invisible. Rural Thrive 2050 exists to change that.
Through storytelling, collaboration, events and collective action, the campaign brings together communities, projects and organisations working towards stronger, more connected and future-oriented rural territories. Because thriving rural areas are not only important for rural communities – they are essential for our shared future.
The Rural Thrive Campaign welcomes participation from rural communities, projects and initiatives, organisations and networks, Living Labs, researchers and innovators, local authorities, civil society organisations, entrepreneurs, youth and women groups, and individuals passionate about rural futures.
Whether through events, stories, workshops, local initiatives or digital engagement, everyone is invited to contribute to the conversation, by using the official hashtag:
#RuralThrive50
Rural territories are at the centre of some of today’s biggest transitions:
1. Depopulation
2. Limited access to services
3. Territorial inequalities
4. Economic transitions
5. Reduced visibility in public discussions
Rural Thrive 2050 creates space for communities across Europe and Africa to exchange experiences, share innovations and inspire new approaches to sustainability and rural development.
Different territories face different realities. But many challenges, ideas and aspirations are shared.
Through dialogue, storytelling and collaboration, the campaign aims to strengthen connections between communities, organisations and initiatives working towards stronger rural futures across continents.
Throughout the campaign, farmers, entrepreneurs, youth, educators, innovators, cooperatives and local communities will share:
Some stories will showcase innovation. Others will highlight challenges.
Others will inspire action.
Together, these voices create a collective picture of rural territories as places of creativity, resilience and transformation.
Rural Thrive Supporters are projects, networks, organisations and initiatives collaborating with the campaign through joint communication, dissemination, events and stakeholder engagement activities.
Supporters contribute to amplifying rural innovation and sustainability initiatives while increasing the visibility and outreach of their own activities, results and communities.
Supporters contribute to amplifying rural innovation and sustainability initiatives while increasing the visibility and outreach of their own activities, results and communities.
HAVE A QUESTION?
What is a Rural Thrive Supporter?
Supporters can co-organise webinars, workshops, local events, campaigns, or stakeholder engagement activities aligned with the Rural Thrive campaign calendar.
This creates opportunities for collaboration between projects, communities, researchers, practitioners, policymakers and rural stakeholders.
Supporters will be featured across selected Rural Thrive communication channels, including:
This helps amplify project activities, results and opportunities to wider audiences across Europe and beyond.
The campaign will provide opportunities to showcase:
This supports broader uptake, reuse and long-term visibility of project results.
Through the RURALITIES ecosystem, Supporters will connect with:
European and international initiatives
The Rural Thrive Campaign aims to strengthen cooperation between projects and organisations working on rural sustainability, resilience, innovation and climate transition.
By joining as a Supporter, organisations contribute to a wider collaborative movement promoting stronger and more connected rural futures.
Horizon Europe projects
Interreg projects
Erasmus+ initiatives
LIFE projects
EU and international rural networks
NGOs and associations
Research and innovation initiatives
EU and international rural networks
Local and regional development organisations
Other initiatives aligned with the campaign themes
Projects and organisations can engage in various forms of participation, tailored to their interests, activities, and availability.
May 2026
Supporter Selection & Onboarding
June 2026, on a rolling basis until August 2026
September 2026
September 2026 – April 2027
Submit your expression of interest through the form below and the
RURALITIES communication team will contact you to explore possible collaboration opportunities.
The call is open until July 2026.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program under grant agreement no 101060876. UK participants in Horizon Europe Project RURALITIES are supported by UKRI grant numbers: 10051963 The Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership and 10050988 Earthwatch Europe.
