The RURAL RiSE final event, Made in Rural Europe: From Plans to Action, took place in Brussels, bringing together partners, participants and organisations from Italy, Serbia, Spain and Belgium. The event marked the completion of the project, which over the past two years focused on strengthening rural communities through the Social Economy, skills development, local cooperation and new opportunities for young people and women in rural areas.
The event presented the main project outcomes, including the Local Action Plans developed together with communities in Miglionico, Palilula and Valdefuentes. Through territorial case studies, partners showed how local challenges such as unemployment, population decline and limited opportunities for young people can be transformed into shared strategies and practical action.
The programme created space for European exchange, networking and reflection on the future of rural development, the role of local authorities and Social Economy organisations, and the importance of recognising local assets – from cultural heritage and agroecology to artistic initiatives and the reuse of abandoned spaces.
From plans to action, from local voices to European cooperation, RURAL RiSE demonstrated that more sustainable, inclusive and resilient rural communities can be built through collaboration, partnerships and the recognition of local potential.
The Rural RiSE project was implemented by a consortium consisting of Wazo Coop, Materahub, Mladi ambasadori, the Municipality of Valdefuentes, Spain, the City Municipality of Palilula Niš, the Municipality of Miglionico, Italy, and Diesis Network. The project was funded by the European Union.