Rethinking European rural areas in the face of new realities, challenges and transitions (EU-HORIZON24)

European rural areas are undergoing profound socio-demographic changes, shaped by ecological, digital, and bio-economic transitions. Accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, these transformations highlight the increasing diversification of rural territories, making them as complex and varied as major cities. However, existing tools, concepts, and public policies struggle to grasp this evolving reality. The RURALITIC project, coordinated by INRAE and bringing together 16 partners from 10 countries for 4 years of research and action, aims to shed light on these dynamics and support the development of tailored public policies.

Key objectives for concrete action

* Redefining rurality as a multidimensional and relational concept, emphasising socio-economic and spatial interdependencies.
* Characterising the diversity of rural areas and their role in major transitions by integrating new indicators (real estate trends, digitalisation, environmental amenities) and focusing on evolving social dynamics.
* Identify key drivers of attractiveness specific to different types of rural areas and assessing how crises and policies shape population flows and perceptions.
* Evaluating post-Covid demographic impacts on public services, real estate markets, and well-being, with a focus on financial sustainability and social coherence.
* Assessing and co-developing public policies and local initiatives to revitalise rural areas.
* Developing future scenarios that envision resilient and thriving rural areas, where tradition, innovation, and environmental stewardship intersect to create sustainable socio-economic models.