On 30 June 2021, the European Commission put forward a long-term Vision for the EU's rural areas, identifying the challenges and concerns that they are facing, as well as highlighting some of the most promising opportunities that are available to these regions.

Based on a foresight exercise and wide consultations with citizens as well as other actors in rural areas, the Vision proposes a Rural Pact and a EU Rural Action Plan, which aim to make rural Europe stronger, connected, resilient and prosperous.