References

Original Reference: https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/en/publications/2023/job-quality-covid-19-pandemic-essential-workers “Job quality of COVID-19 pandemic essential workers”, Agnès Parent-Thirion, Barbora Mackova, Viginta Ivaškaitė-Tamošiūnė , Jorge Cabrita, Eurofound, 10 October 2023, Job quality of COVID-19 pandemic essential workers | European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (europa.eu)

Brief Summary: This report analyzes the working conditions of essential workers during COVID-19, highlighting job quality issues and the need for improved support systems. Implications: Rural essential workers face unique challenges that require targeted policy interventions. Recommendations: RAPs should include policies to improve working conditions for rural essential workers, particularly in healthcare, agriculture, and logistics.

URL: https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/en/publications/2023/job-quality-covid-19-pandemic-essential-workers

Original Reference: Quality of society

Brief Summary: Explores how the quality of society affects regional development. Recommendations: RAPs should prioritize social cohesion, ensuring that rural-urban disparities are reduced by promoting equal access to services and opportunities across regions.

URL: https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/topic/quality-of-society

Original Reference: https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2024-05/ef23097en.pdf

Brief Summary: The report provides an overview of regional disparities in the EU, with a focus on how urban and rural areas are developing differently. It underscores the importance of improving connectivity, services, and employment opportunities in rural regions. Implications: Enhancing infrastructure and services in rural areas is critical for reducing spatial inequalities. Recommendations: RAPs should prioritize investments in digital and transport infrastructure to facilitate better access to services and employment for rural communities.

URL: https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2024-05/ef23097en.pdf

Original Reference: https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/european-agricultural-fund-rural-development-eafrd_en

Brief Summary: This fund supports rural development by promoting innovation, biodiversity, and sustainability in agriculture and rural areas. Recommendations: PoliRuralPlus should utilize EAFRD to support rural economic diversification, improve competitiveness, and promote sustainable agricultural practices​.

URL: https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/european-agricultural-fund-rural-development-eafrd_en

Original Reference: EARTO | European Association of Research and Technology Organisations

Brief Summary: EARTO focuses on research and technology development to support innovation across Europe. For RAPs, it emphasizes leveraging research and technology to enhance rural-urban linkages, particularly through innovation in agriculture, energy, and sustainable development. PoliRuralPlus pilots can use EARTO's resources to drive innovation.

URL: https://www.earto.eu/

Original Reference: European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)

Brief Summary: The EBRD provides financial and policy support for economic development in Europe. RAPs should explore funding opportunities from the EBRD to support infrastructure, agriculture, and digital transformation in rural areas. PoliRuralPlus pilots can collaborate with the EBRD to enhance rural economic growth, particularly in underdeveloped regions.

URL: https://www.ebrd.com/home

Original Reference: https://www.eurochambres.eu/

Brief Summary: Highlights how European chambers support rural-urban business collaboration. Recommendations: RAPs should foster rural-urban business partnerships, creating networks that enhance economic growth, innovation, and resilience in both regions.

URL: https://www.eurochambres.eu/

Original Reference: https://ec.europa.eu/enrd/enrd-thematic-work/long-term-rural-vision/long-term-rural-vision-portal_en.html

Brief Summary: This document outlines the EU’s strategy to boost industrial resilience post-pandemic, with a focus on sustainable industries and digitalization. Implications: SMEs in rural areas can benefit from this strategy by embracing digitalization and sustainable practices. Recommendations: Embed digital and green initiatives into rural SMEs to align with the EU's industrial goals and strengthen rural-urban supply chains.

URL: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/api/files/document/print/en/ip_23_5858/IP_23_5858_EN.pdf

Original Reference: ENRD home page | The European Network for Rural Development (ENRD) (europa.eu)

Brief Summary: ENRD facilitates rural development by sharing best practices and knowledge across Europe. RAPs should leverage ENRD resources to enhance regional collaboration and the exchange of rural-urban development solutions. PoliRuralPlus pilots can integrate ENRD insights to improve policy coherence and strengthen rural economic diversification.

URL: https://ec.europa.eu/enrd/

Original Reference: https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2767/22771, European Commission, Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, The 10 common basic principles on Roma inclusion: 2010

Brief Summary: This document outlines 10 common principles aimed at fostering Roma inclusion, emphasizing non-discrimination, access to education, employment, housing, and healthcare. Implications: Ensuring inclusive policies that account for Roma and marginalized communities is essential in rural development. Recommendations: Integrating inclusive strategies for marginalized populations into rural-urban action plans, emphasizing access to essential services and participation in local governance.

URL: https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2767/22771

Original Reference: https://new-european-bauhaus.europa.eu/ European Commission. (2021). The New European Bauhaus Initiative: An Opportunity for Rural and Urban Integration.

Brief Summary: This initiative links sustainability, inclusivity, and aesthetics with the European Green Deal. Implications: The NEB supports creating beautiful, sustainable, and inclusive rural-urban spaces. Recommendations: RAPs should incorporate NEB values into regional planning, focusing on projects that enhance cultural heritage, promote green infrastructure, and ensure inclusivity in rural development​.

URL: https://new-european-bauhaus.europa.eu/

Original Reference: Home | European Digital Innovation Hubs Network (europa.eu)

Brief Summary: Focuses on supporting digital transformation across regions, including rural areas. Recommendations: Integrate digital innovation hubs into rural-urban action plans to enhance connectivity, competitiveness, and digital skills in rural regions.

URL: https://european-digital-innovation-hubs.ec.europa.eu/home

Original Reference: http://eescopinions.eesc.europa.eu/EESCopinionDocument.aspx?identifier=ces\eco\eco299\ces1380-2011_ac.doc&language=EN

Brief Summary: Offers the EESC's perspective on how rural and urban cooperation can be improved, particularly in achieving territorial cohesion. Recommendations: Leverage EESC insights to create rural-urban partnerships that enhance service delivery, economic ties, and social integration.

URL: http://eescopinions.eesc.europa.eu/EESCopinionDocument.aspx?identifier=ces\\eco\\eco299\\ces1380-2011_ac.doc&language=EN

Original Reference: EEB - The European Environmental Bureau

Brief Summary: The EEB advocates for stronger environmental policies across Europe. RAPs should align with the EEB’s policy recommendations on issues like climate action, biodiversity, and circular economy. PoliRuralPlus pilots can leverage these advocacy tools to push for stronger environmental protection in rural-urban regional development plans.

URL: https://eeb.org/

Original Reference: EU and Latin America and the Caribbean (europa.eu)

Brief Summary: This resource provides information on the EU’s external actions in Latin America and the Caribbean. RAPs should consider global cooperation opportunities to enhance rural-urban linkages, particularly in agriculture and sustainable development. PoliRuralPlus pilots can use international collaborations to foster innovation and knowledge exchange.

URL: https://www.eeas.europa.eu/regions/latin-america-caribbean_en

Original Reference: European Forest Institute (efi.int)

Brief Summary: Provides research and policy support on forest-related issues, focusing on sustainable forest management and bioeconomy. Implications: Sustainable forest management can enhance rural-urban linkages through green infrastructure. Recommendations: Include bioeconomy projects in RAPs for regions with significant forest resources, promoting sustainable practices and economic growth.

URL: https://efi.int

Original Reference: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/policy/how/future-cohesion-policy_en

Brief Summary: The Green Deal outlines the EU’s roadmap for making Europe the first climate-neutral continent. Implications: Rural areas play a vital role in achieving climate neutrality through sustainable land use, agriculture, and energy transitions. Recommendations: Incorporate green policies into RAPs, focusing on circular economies, renewable energy, and biodiversity to ensure rural areas contribute to and benefit from the Green Deal's goals.

URL: https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en

Original Reference: European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) | EIT (europa.eu)

Brief Summary: Supports innovation through partnerships in education, business, and research. Implications: Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation in rural areas. Recommendations: PoliRuralPlus pilots should collaborate with EIT to foster innovation ecosystems that bridge rural-urban divides, promoting technology-driven rural growth.

URL: https://eit.europa.eu/

Original Reference: Homepage | European Investment Bank (eib.org)

Brief Summary: Provides financial support for development projects, including rural and urban initiatives. Recommendations: Leverage EIB funding for infrastructure projects that promote rural-urban integration, such as transport and green energy.

URL: https://www.eib.org/en/

Original Reference: eif.org/index

Brief Summary: EIF provides financial support for SMEs across Europe, focusing on innovation and sustainability. RAPs should leverage funding opportunities from EIF to support rural entrepreneurship and infrastructure, strengthening rural-urban linkages. PoliRuralPlus pilots can use EIF resources to boost rural economic development and innovation.

URL: https://www.eif.org/