Increased and Adequate Financial Support for EU Rural Development
Borboly Csaba, rapporteur, held talks in Brussels with the delegation of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Borboly Csaba, President of Harghita County Council, has been appointed rapporteur of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) for an opinion on the promotion of cultural policies in rural areas in the framework of development and territorial cohesion strategies and Agenda 2030.
On 19 September, a bilateral discussion took place with the Spanish delegation, which holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union until the end of 2023, and for which the development of rural areas is a priority, during which ideas and solutions were formulated to ensure that the rural environment receives increased and appropriate support.
“The economic, social and environmental development of rural areas must be a priority, as the enhancement of cultural diversity and creativity contributes to improving the quality of life and strengthening social cohesion”, said Borboly Csaba, President of Harghita County Council.
Representatives of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union welcome the idea of a European Year of Rural Europe focusing on the cultural and creative value of rural areas to strengthen rural cultural identity. They also stressed the need to protect and promote cultural diversity in rural areas, supporting innovation and the development of contemporary culture, with a central role for artists. In addition, rural-urban dialogue and collaboration with young artists is encouraged to improve the quality of life and professional ecosystem in rural areas through the development of professional networks.
The draft opinion can be found here: https://judetulharghita.ro/activitati-internationale/
The aim of the draft opinion is to develop policies at European Union level that promote the economic, social and environmental development of rural areas by harnessing cultural diversity and creativity to enable people to create jobs through cultural activities.
The draft opinion will be put to the vote at the SEDEC meeting on 2 October and subsequently at the CoR plenary session on 29-30 November 2023.
“It is very important to remember that the European Union always plans ahead. To attract the resources we really need in 2028, we need to prepare now, and not let others decide what is important for us. We must take into account the potential of our rural areas, building on culture, traditions and values. This opinion will contribute to a profound transformation of the countryside”, said Borboly Csaba.
In order to collect opinions and experiences to help clarify the impact of policies on rural development, preservation of cultural heritage and promotion of sustainable practices, with a particular focus on bio-cultural areas that facilitate the interaction between biodiversity and culture, a questionnaire has been developed and can be filled in until 30 September.
https://judetulharghita.ro/consultare-cor/
More details of Borboly Csaba’s work at the European Committee of the Regions can be found here: https://www.borbolycsaba.ro/ro/?page_id=195
On Sept. 20, 2023
