This event will explore how circular economy and bioeconomy can drive sustainable agri-food systemsdevelopment across both rural and urban areas in the EU, through the presentation of innovative approaches that support the balanced development of rural and urban communities
With this debate, the EESC wants to contribute to reflections on the foundations of a just transition framework on the agri-food sector to achieve a sustainable food system and move forward with concrete recommendations, for example, looking at the skills, capacity and mental support needed, or identifying some key policy areas and legal leverage points that could be triggered to start a just food transition for the EU.
Given the link between agriculture and rural areas and farmers with food production, the recommendations of this opinion will also have a positive impact on rural development.
On Friday 15th December 2023, the EESC will host a public hearing to gather the views of the European Commission, rural development actors and various stakeholders on how to foster the implementation of the Long-Term Vision of EU's Rural Areas.
In the context of the European Gender Equality Week and as part of its section meeting, the NAT section will host a public debate on gender equality and youth in rural areas.
The EESC is organising a hybrid public hearing to gather the view of youth representatives, rural development experts and various stakeholders on how to promote sustainable and inclusive rural development that benefits young people and rural communities as a whole.
In line with its commitments to the Rural Pact, the EESC will organise a thematic debate on renewable energies in rural areas during the next meeting of its Section for Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment (NAT Section) planned on Thursday 9 March (11:00 -12:30).
