Tuesday, 14 October 2025 | 16:00–17:30 CET | SQUARE Brussels, Rooms 213–215
As part of this year’s EU Regions Week, join us in Brussels for a high-level, interactive session on “Rural Proofing: Making Policies Work for Rural Areas through Data and Earth Observation.” This session will explore how innovative tools, Earth observation, and data-driven approaches can help tailor policies that leave no rural territory behind.
Hosted in collaboration with the GRANULAR, VALORADA, and RUSTIK projects, this event will highlight practical solutions to territorial challenges and examine how rural proofing can be better integrated into multi-level governance and policy development.
What to Expect
The session kicks off with a panel discussion featuring experts from the European Commission, OECD, and local and regional governments. They will share insights into how rural proofing is being applied across different levels of governance and how coordinated efforts can ensure fairer, more inclusive policy outcomes.
Following the panel, participants will take part in interactive peer-review discussions, engaging directly with initiatives from the GRANULAR, VALORADA, and RUSTIK projects. These real-world examples show how rural proofing has been applied to support rural communities and make policies more responsive to local needs.
It will be the opportunity to hear from two of RUSTIK living labs, with Petri Kahila, researcher at the University of eastern Finland and Karelian institute, and Francesco Mantino from the council for agricultural research and economics (CREA).
Why Attend?
- Learn from EU and international rural policy experts.
- Engage with cutting-edge research and projects using data and Earth observation.
- Network with policymakers, researchers, and local leaders.
- Contribute to shaping smarter, fairer rural development strategies.
Featured Speakers
- Alexia Rouby – Administrator, European Commission.
- Betty-Ann Bryce – Policy Expert, OECD.
- Christos Moutsios – Secretary-General, Region of Central Greece.
Moderator:
- Jack van der Hoek – Mayor, Municipality of Schouwen-Duiveland.
Practical Details
- Session Title: Rural Proofing: Making Policies Work for Rural Areas through Data and Earth Observation.
- Date & Time: Tuesday, 14 October 2025 | 16:00–17:30 CET.
- Location: Square Brussels, Rooms 213–215.
- Format: Interactive session.
- Language: English.
- Theme: The Right to Stay: Unlocking the Potential of Every Territory.
Registration: Session Full – Check the EU Regions Week platform for updates
This session aligns with the European Commission’s long-term vision for rural areas and reinforces the right of all citizens to live, work, and thrive in the territory of their choice.
We look forward to welcoming you to a vibrant exchange of ideas and practices that can truly make a difference in rural policy.
