The European Commission on Monday opened a public consultation on the long-term vision for rural areas, on the basis of which next year it will propose measures for the realisation of that vision, Commission Vice-President for Democracy and Demography Dubravka Suica said.

“Rural areas are often faced with challenges such as distance, poor connectivity and limited services. However, they abound in great opportunities with a matchless quality of life and can play a special role in the transition towards a green, digital and sustainable Europe. Based on these consultations we will present the long-term vision for rural areas to help them cope with these challenges and make them more attractive and dynamic. We will propose measures, including short-term ones, to achieve the long-term vision,” Suica said.

The consultation will be conducted online until November 27.