Dear Invited Guest,
\nDear Organisers,
\nLadies and Gentlemen,
\n\u2981 Thank you for the opportunity to speak at this important conference, which comes at a crucial moment for the future of Europe\u2019s rural areas.
\n\u2981 My name is Csaba Borboly, and I have been a member of the European Committee of the Regions.
\n\u2981 At the same time, I come from Romania, from a rural and mountainous region \u2014 Harghita County \u2014 where I serve as vice president, and I am also here today as the president of one of the LEADER groups in the area.
\n\u2981 I am a member of the European Committee of the Regions, the EU\u2019s political assembly of local and regional leaders. Our role is to ensure that rural areas, municipalities, and regions\u2014like those represented by LAGs\u2014have a real voice in EU policymaking.
\n\u2981 I had the honour to serve as COR rapporteur for the opinion titled \u201cPromoting cultural policies in rural areas within the framework of development and territorial cohesion strategies and the 2030 Agenda.\u201d
\n\u2981 Today\u2019s discussion is particularly relevant, as the EU redefines its political priorities.
\n\u2981 There is a growing concern that emerging demands\u2014such as increased defence spending\u2014may reduce cohesion funding and inadvertently marginalize rural regions.
\n\u2981 This is why today\u2019s initiative, with contributions from ELARD, CERSTE, FederEdilizia, and LAGs (Local Action Groups), is so important: it brings together institutional, territorial, and civil society voices to affirm the strategic role of rural areas and Inner Areas as drivers of sustainable and inclusive growth.
\n\u2981 These are not peripheral zones, but centres of identity, innovation, and resilience.
\n\u2981 In this context, allow me to share some key insights from our work that are particularly relevant today, as we reflect together on how to ensure that rural territories are not left behind amidst shifting EU priorities and limited resources.
\n\u2981 First, in view of the demographic challenges, I would like to underline the essential role of culture in rural development.
\n\u2981 Culture helps build resilient communities, especially in small villages and disadvantaged regions.
\n\u2981 Access to cultural services must be ensured for all, including people living in less developed or remote areas.
\n\u2981 In this respect, in my report, I called for the launch of a European Year of Rural Europe, to shine a spotlight on the cultural and creative potential of our rural territories.
\n\u2981 Second, I consider, we must strengthen the Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSIs) in rural areas.
\n\u2981 These sectors merge local identity and innovation, creating jobs, promoting pride, and making rural areas more attractive\u2014particularly to young people.
\n\u2981 I believe we need a dedicated framework, similar to the European Capital of Culture initiative, focused specifically on rural cultural heritage and innovation.
\n\u2981 Also, I belive that youth engagement is essential.
\n\u2981 We need to support rural youth councils, forums, and initiatives to create a genuine sense of belonging and opportunity.
\n\u2981 Third, we must acknowledge the critical role of local and regional authorities in delivering cultural services.
\n\u2981 Often, they are the last line of defence in areas suffering from depopulation and economic decline.
\n\u2981 They need sufficient funding, both from EU and national budgets, to continue this essential work.
\n\u2981 Furthermore, I propose supporting Smart Villages and using EU tools like CLLD to revitalize cultural infrastructure and heritage, promoting culture-driven regeneration, experimentation, and innovation in contemporary arts in rural settings and establishing culture-specific data collection at NUTS 3 level, to better inform EU rural policy.
\n\u2981 We must also promote synergies between sustainable tourism and the cultural and creative sectors, creating new value chains and employment opportunities.
\n\u2981 Finally, let us not forget that rural culture is a pillar of Europe\u2019s biocultural heritage.
\n\u2981 It is essential for maintaining our cultural landscapes, traditional knowledge, and biodiversity.
\n\u2981 Many rural regions are not just economically fragile\u2014they are ecologically and culturally unique.
\n\u2981 That is why national strategies and EU-level guidelines must go hand-in-hand, respecting subsidiarity, while sharing best practices with measurable impact.
\n\u2981 In conclusion, we must ensure that rural citizens\u2014young and old, families, creatives, and farmers\u2014feel part of Europe\u2019s future, not left behind by its evolution.
\nThank you for your attention.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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