The Vision for More Attractive Rural Areas 2040 was presented on 11 March 2026 to the Government Council of the Slovak Republic for Non-Governmental Non-Profit Organisations, marking an important step in strengthening dialogue between policy makers, civil society, and rural stakeholders about the future of Slovakia’s rural regions.

The presentation highlighted the course and key outcomes of the interdepartmental round table held on 9 February 2026, which aimed to bring the topic of rural development to all relevant ministries as a cross-cutting national priority.

During the meeting, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Slovak Republic noted that the round table discussions were constructive and appreciated their professional and evidence-based character.

Members of the Council welcomed the Vision as a participatory and forward-looking initiative that aligns with ongoing European debates on the future of rural areas. They also emphasized that civil society organisations play a crucial role as bridges between local communities and policy makers, helping ensure that policies respond to real needs on the ground.

As a concrete outcome of the discussion, the Council adopted a resolution recommending that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development strengthen the links between public policies and the long-term strategic framework for rural development. The resolution also suggests that the Vision for More Attractive Rural Areas 2040 be taken into account when preparing the new programming period for EU funds for 2028–2034.

Looking ahead

The meeting concluded with a shared understanding that the future of rural areas requires long-term commitment, cross-sector cooperation, and the active participation of local communities.

The continued development of the Vision within the PoliRuralPlus project aims to support this process by providing tools, knowledge, and collaborative platforms that help translate strategic ideas into practical actions at national, regional, and local levels.

Through dialogue with national institutions such as the Government Council for NGOs, the initiative seeks to ensure that the future of rural areas is shaped collaboratively by policy makers, communities, and stakeholders working together.

Next steps

Members of the Council expressed interest in regular updates on the progress of the initiative. The next meeting of the Council is scheduled for June 2026, where further developments related to the Vision may be discussed.