The cohesion policy driving development in rural areas : examples of past and ongoing projects across the European Union

This publication includes a set of examples of projects in rural areas from 23 Member States and four cross-border regions to showcase the long-lasting impact of the cohesion policy on the ground. The examples are structured around the following themes, among others: the green transition, the digital transition, social services and culture, and competitiveness. The examples have been chosen to reflect a wide thematic and geographical diversity of projects located in rural settings, including in very small towns while accounting for a variety of scales and budgets involved, from the very local interventions in a village building to national overarching strategies for rural areas. This publication complements the public report of the European Commission on the achievements of the long-term vision for the EU's rural areas.