Representatives of the four European Rural Parliament partner organisations met in Brandenburg, Germany, on 10–11 October 2026 to strengthen cooperation, discuss the future of the European Rural Parliament (ERP), and agree on a practical roadmap for the coming years.
The two-day strategic meeting brought together representatives of the European Rural Community Alliance (ERCA), PREPARE – Partnership for Rural Europe, Rural Youth Europe (RYE), and the European LEADER Association for Rural Development (ELARD).
The meeting focused on an important question: How can the European Rural Parliament become a stronger, more coordinated and more influential voice for rural communities across Europe?
From Strategic Discussions to Concrete Actions
The first day was dedicated to reviewing the current situation of ERP, reflecting on its achievements and identifying challenges and opportunities for the future.
Participants discussed how to strengthen cooperation between the four partner organisations, improve communication, increase grassroots participation and make better use of existing networks, expertise and resources.
Special attention was given to the relationship between European-level activities and national rural parliaments, ensuring that the concerns, experiences and recommendations of rural communities are reflected in European policy discussions.
The Steering Group also explored opportunities to strengthen ERP’s advocacy work, engage with European institutions and connect existing initiatives and projects.
Governance was another important topic. Participants discussed clearer responsibilities, decision-making procedures, cooperation agreements and possible organisational developments that could help ensure the long-term sustainability of ERP.
An 18-Action Roadmap for 2026–2028
One of the main outcomes of the meeting was the development of a joint ERP Roadmap 2026–2028, consisting of 18 concrete actions with designated lead organisations, supporting partners and implementation deadlines.
The roadmap focuses on five key areas:
- Coordination and democracy: Strengthening Steering Group responsibilities, internal communication and grassroots participation.
- Resources and projects: Connecting existing initiatives, sharing organisational capacities and exploring sustainable funding opportunities.
- Advocacy and European engagement: Developing common policy priorities, improving dialogue with European institutions and ensuring two-way communication with rural communities.
- Events and youth participation: Preparing future ERP gatherings, organising follow-up activities and strengthening the involvement of rural young people.
- Governance and partnerships: Reviewing cooperation arrangements, considering future organisational options and improving procedures for involving new partners.
Each organisation will contribute according to its expertise and responsibilities, with the roadmap serving as a shared instrument for monitoring progress.
The partners also highlighted the importance of maintaining ERP as a continuous process of cooperation and advocacy, rather than an initiative active only during its major gatherings.
Preparing the Next European Rural Parliament
An important part of the meeting was dedicated to preparations for the seventh European Rural Parliament gathering.
The Steering Group discussed potential hosts and the practical requirements for organising the next major European gathering of rural stakeholders.
As a next step, interviews will be organised with potential host organisations to assess their proposals, capacities, partnerships and organisational arrangements before a final decision is made.
ERCA will coordinate the preparation process, with Vanessa taking a leading role alongside a working group involving representatives of all four partner organisations.
The aim is to ensure a transparent and well-prepared selection process and establish clear responsibilities between the future host and the ERP Steering Group.
Brussels Mid-Term Event Planned for February 2027
The partners also discussed organising a mid-term European Rural Parliament event in Brussels in February 2027.
The event is intended to maintain momentum between major ERP gatherings, provide opportunities for dialogue and cooperation, and support continued engagement with European institutions.
Preparations will be coordinated by ERCA in cooperation with PREPARE, with the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) expected to contribute to the programme and hosting arrangements.
The exact event date and programme are still to be confirmed.
This Brussels meeting will form part of the broader ERP programme of mid-term and follow-up activities.
Stronger Cooperation, Stronger Rural Voices
Throughout the meeting, participants emphasised the importance of connecting European-level cooperation with the realities of rural communities.
This includes strengthening national rural parliaments, improving the exchange of information between local and European levels, involving young people and ensuring that rural perspectives are heard in policy processes.
The partners also recognised the value of building on existing initiatives, including opportunities linked to European cooperation projects such as NEXRUR.
The Brandenburg meeting marked an important step towards more structured cooperation, clearer responsibilities and stronger collective action.
With a common roadmap and renewed commitment from its four partner organisations, the European Rural Parliament aims to strengthen its role as a platform connecting rural people, places and policies across Europe.
Together, we are working towards a stronger rural Europe in which the voices of rural communities help shape Europe’s future.
