The EU’s rural areas are a core part of the European way of life. They are home to 137 million people representing almost 30% of its population and over 80% of its territory, considering all communes and municipalities of Europe with low population size or density1 . They are widely recognised and valued for food production, management of natural resources, protection of natural landscapes, as well as recreation and tourism. Many of our traditions, festivals and culture are rooted in Europe’s rural areas. As emphasised by the European Commission’s President, Ursula von der Leyen, ‘Europe would not be whole without its countryside’2 . Yet social and economic changes of the last decades, including globalisation and urbanisation, are changing the role and nature of rural areas, which are also affected by population decline and ageing3 . Many Europeans are worried about the erosion of rural infrastructure and service provision, including access to healthcare, social services and education as well as to postal and banking services. Others express concerns about shrinking employment opportunities and possible drop in income in rural areas or limited transport and digital connectivity.