Ensuring Civil Society Participation in Rural Development 2021-2027

The Brussels representation of the Protestant Church in Germany (EKD), ELARD and the German LEADER Association (BAG-LAG) is organizing on October 10th, from 13:00 to 14:30, a side event to the European Week of Regions and Cities 2019 on “Ensuring Civil Society Participation in Rural Development 2021-2027”.

After an impulse by Hartmut Berndt, ELARD Council Member, President of German LEADER Association (BAG LAG), a panel discussion with:

• Sanna Sihvola, Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland;
• Silvia Michelini, Director of Directorate F “Rural Development II”, DG Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission;
• Pedro Brosei, Adviser to the Portuguese ELARD Presidency,

moderated by Ulrike Truderung, EKD, will discuss the effects of the major reforms of the Common Agricultural Policy within the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027 for rural development.

Critics fear that the reform will focus on agricultural measures alone and could result in a silent loss of funds reserved for rural development. This would mean that important non-agricultural aspects of rural development, such as social infrastructure and grassroot initiatives, would be marginalised. What does the reform really mean for rural development? And what will be the role of civil society and other players, such as church communities, in the delivery of rural development?

This event will take place at EKD Office, Rue Joseph II 166, 1000 Brussels. A light lunch will be provided from 12:30. Find the invitation HERE and register by 7 October by e-mail to ulrike.truderung@ekd.eu