The Slovak Vision for More Attractive Rural Areas 2040 was highlighted as a relevant example of participatory governance and long-term foresight during the EU CAP Network Thematic Group on Just Transition in the Agri-Food System: The Role of the CAP, which work culminated in Brussels on 10 June 2026.
Many of the challenges discussed at EU level are reflected in the Slovak Vision, including fragmented governance, demographic decline, climate pressures and the need to balance environmental objectives with the economic viability of farming and rural communities. The Vision proposes stronger coordination across sectors and governance levels, greater stakeholder participation, support for resilient local economies and food systems, investment in innovation and rural services, and a positive narrative recognising farmers as stewards of ecosystems, biodiversity and cultural heritage.
The Slovak experience demonstrates that a just transition requires more than financial support. It depends on trust, participation, transparency and governance structures that bring diverse actors together around a shared vision. As discussions on the future CAP continue, the Slovak Vision offers valuable lessons on how rural communities can actively shape sustainable, resilient and socially just futures.
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