Coop4RURALGov Workshop in Pazardzhik, Bulgaria

On January 28-29, 2025, the Coop4RURALGov project held an interregional workshop in Pazardzhik, Bulgaria, bringing together experts and stakeholders to develop better governance methodologies for rural, coastal, and mountain areas.

Building on Previous Insights

The workshop built upon the findings of the previous session in Olite, Spain, where participants worked on defining Rural Proofing—a process to ensure that rural considerations are integrated into policy-making. Discussions focused on what Rural Proofing is, what it is not, and what challenges and opportunities lie ahead.

Key Highlights from the Workshop

🔹 Case Study Analysis: Participants explored best practices from England and New Zealand, analyzing different methodologies for assessing the impact of policies on rural areas. This helped shape the foundation for the Rural Proofing Toolbox, a set of tools to enhance governance in sparsely populated regions.

🔹 Critical Success Factors: The workshop emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making, multi-stakeholder collaboration, youth involvement, and adaptability to different rural realities.

🔹 Future Planning: The consortium mapped out the next steps for upcoming workshops in Estonia and Ireland, ensuring continued progress in developing effective rural governance strategies.

Looking Ahead

The event concluded with a Steering Committee meeting, where project partners reviewed achievements and outlined future actions. The Coop4RURALGov project continues to pave the way for stronger, more inclusive governance that addresses the unique needs of rural communities.

Stay tuned for more updates as we move forward with the next phases of the project!