What’s happening in my country
On the country pages you will find useful information about what is happening in EU Member States concerning the planning and implementation of smart villages.
The information aims to orient people on policy planning, key contacts and resources on smart villages. However, it neither aims to be fully comprehensive, nor necessarily reflects the official government or European Commission position.
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City Council of Seia, Vodafone Foundation
(
2013
–
2016
)
Pilot project involving the installation of fiber-optic and technological solutions with the objective of contributing to the improvement of the rural community’s quality of life, namely, acting as a catalyst to increase the area’s environmental and economic performance. The project was implemented in Sabugueiro, located at Serra da Estrela, the highest village of Portugal (1 150 meters of altitude), with only about 480 inhabitants (10,3 inhabitants/km²) and includesthe Mountain Villages Network. The project showcased Sabugueiro as a model by the implementation of functional and utilitarian technologies in areas as diverse as:
Language : English
Type of resource : Article
Pilot project involving the installation of fiber-optic and technological solutions with the objective of contributing to the improvement of the rural community’s quality of life, namely, acting as a catalyst to increase the area’s environmental and economic performance. The project was implemented in Sabugueiro, located at Serra da Estrela, the highest village of Portugal (1 150 meters of altitude), with only about 480 inhabitants (10,3 inhabitants/km²) and includesthe Mountain Villages Network. The project showcased Sabugueiro as a model by the implementation of functional and utilitarian technologies in areas as diverse as:
- energy efficiency in buildings and households, and in public lighting;
- transportation/mobility;
- health;
- water and waste management.
Language : English
Type of resource : Article
Direção Geral de Agricultura e Desenvolvimento Rural (Directorate-General for Agricultureand Rural Development)
The Portuguese Rural Network collects information on the Smart Villages Thematic Group and updated documentation produced at the level of the European Commission.
Language : Portugese
The Portuguese Rural Network collects information on the Smart Villages Thematic Group and updated documentation produced at the level of the European Commission.
Language : Portugese
Gabinete de Planeamento, Políticas e Administração Geral (Planning, Policy and General Administration Office)
(
2020
–
Ongoing
)
A summary document of the Innovation Agenda for Agriculture 2020-2030. The Agenda is designed on the basis ofthe guidelines and commitments of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the EU’ Green Deal and, particularly, the Farm-to-Fork Strategy, recognising the vital importance of agriculture as a driving force for rural territories.
Language : Portugese
Type of resource : Document
A summary document of the Innovation Agenda for Agriculture 2020-2030. The Agenda is designed on the basis ofthe guidelines and commitments of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the EU’ Green Deal and, particularly, the Farm-to-Fork Strategy, recognising the vital importance of agriculture as a driving force for rural territories.
Language : Portugese
Type of resource : Document
Gabinete de Planeamento, Políticas e Administração Geral (Planning, Policy and General Administration Office)
(
2020
–
Ongoing
)
The agenda was designed on the basis ofthe guidelines and commitments of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the EU’ Green Deal and, particularly, the Farm-to-Fork Strategy, recognising the vital importance of agriculture as a driving force for rural territories. It defines 15 Emblematic Initiatives and 71 Lines of Action to be implemented by 2030. Among these, the Emblematic Initiative 7‘Revitalisation of rural areas’ stands out, within which line of ‘Action 7.5: Smart rural territories’ provides apossible framework for supporting activities within the scope of the Smart Villages approach.
Language : Portugese
Type of resource : Article
The agenda was designed on the basis ofthe guidelines and commitments of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the EU’ Green Deal and, particularly, the Farm-to-Fork Strategy, recognising the vital importance of agriculture as a driving force for rural territories. It defines 15 Emblematic Initiatives and 71 Lines of Action to be implemented by 2030. Among these, the Emblematic Initiative 7‘Revitalisation of rural areas’ stands out, within which line of ‘Action 7.5: Smart rural territories’ provides apossible framework for supporting activities within the scope of the Smart Villages approach.
Language : Portugese
Type of resource : Article
Lisanna Elm
(
02/06/2020
–
Ongoing
)
This solution involves bringing public and private providers of remote working services in an area under a single umbrella brand. Through a common online platform, these facilities can be searched and rented by individuals or small teams looking to work remotely in the area. All the facilities offer well-designed spaces for work, normal to high-speed internet access (at least 50 Mbit/s) and generously sized desks with comfortable seats. Meeting rooms, printing services, plenty of electricity sockets, good lighting, comfortable room temperatures and the possibility to brew or purchase coffee or tea are also standard. Many locations also offer projectors and screens. All services can be searched according to location, price and available facilities, such as catering facilities – kitchenette for self-catering, restaurant nearby, on-site restaurant or café, on-site catering – availability of a large screen/monitor, on-site accommodation, networking opportunities, and special diet food. The main target group is technologically savvy workers that need a change of routine and environment.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
This solution involves bringing public and private providers of remote working services in an area under a single umbrella brand. Through a common online platform, these facilities can be searched and rented by individuals or small teams looking to work remotely in the area. All the facilities offer well-designed spaces for work, normal to high-speed internet access (at least 50 Mbit/s) and generously sized desks with comfortable seats. Meeting rooms, printing services, plenty of electricity sockets, good lighting, comfortable room temperatures and the possibility to brew or purchase coffee or tea are also standard. Many locations also offer projectors and screens. All services can be searched according to location, price and available facilities, such as catering facilities – kitchenette for self-catering, restaurant nearby, on-site restaurant or café, on-site catering – availability of a large screen/monitor, on-site accommodation, networking opportunities, and special diet food. The main target group is technologically savvy workers that need a change of routine and environment.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
Revent Smart
A web portal dedicated to Smart Villages, featuring a blog area on various sub-topics and a media clippings space.
Language : Croatian
Type of resource : Website
A web portal dedicated to Smart Villages, featuring a blog area on various sub-topics and a media clippings space.
Language : Croatian
Type of resource : Website
Croatian National Rural Network (Nacionalna Ruralna Mreža)
An animated Smart Villages video produced by the Croatian Rural Development Network, showing how Europe sees the future of the European countryside.
Language : Croatian
Type of resource : Video
An animated Smart Villages video produced by the Croatian Rural Development Network, showing how Europe sees the future of the European countryside.
Language : Croatian
Type of resource : Video
Osijek-Baranja County
Since 2019, the Osijek-Baranja County has been organising an annual contest for ‘Smart Villages’ project ideas. The best projects are awarded cash prizes fora total amount of HRK 200 000 (EUR26 400). Almost 100 project applicants have participated in the call to date.
Language : Croatian
Type of resource : Article
Since 2019, the Osijek-Baranja County has been organising an annual contest for ‘Smart Villages’ project ideas. The best projects are awarded cash prizes fora total amount of HRK 200 000 (EUR26 400). Almost 100 project applicants have participated in the call to date.
Language : Croatian
Type of resource : Article
Croatia
Support for implementing the ‘Smart Villages’ concept in disadvantaged and mountainous rural areas
Croatian Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds
(
2020
–
Ongoing
)
A decree by the Croatian Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds to include support for implementing ‘Smart Villages’in disadvantaged and mountainous rural areas.
Language : Croatian
Zagorska razvojna agencija, ZARA (Zagorje Regional Development Agency)
(
2021
)
Information for cities, municipalities and associations in the area Krapina-Zagorje County
Language : Croatian
Type of resource : Publication
Information for cities, municipalities and associations in the area Krapina-Zagorje County
Language : Croatian
Type of resource : Publication
Zagorska razvojna agencija, ZARA (Zagorje Regional Development Agency)
(
2021
)
A guidance book prepared on the basis of Smart Villages-related publications of the European Network for Rural Development.
Language : Croatian
Type of resource : Guidelines
A guidance book prepared on the basis of Smart Villages-related publications of the European Network for Rural Development.
Language : Croatian
Type of resource : Guidelines
Croatian Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds
(
2020
)
In 2020, Croatia held the presidency of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region. One of the five thematic objectives of the presidency was ‘Inland waterways, tourism and Smart Villages’.
Language : Croatian
Type of resource : Article
In 2020, Croatia held the presidency of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region. One of the five thematic objectives of the presidency was ‘Inland waterways, tourism and Smart Villages’.
Language : Croatian
Type of resource : Article
Ivana Maletić MEP
(
24/10/2018
)
Publication overviewing European policies and funding sources for rural development, with an emphasis on Smart Villages.
Language : Croatian
Type of resource : Guidelines
Publication overviewing European policies and funding sources for rural development, with an emphasis on Smart Villages.
Language : Croatian
Type of resource : Guidelines
Davor Škrlec MEP
(
01/03/2019
)
During this one-day conference held in Osijek, the ‘Smart Villages’ concept and its possibilities were presented and discussed. The event was organised by the EU Parliament member Davor Škrlec.
Language : Croatian
During this one-day conference held in Osijek, the ‘Smart Villages’ concept and its possibilities were presented and discussed. The event was organised by the EU Parliament member Davor Škrlec.
Language : Croatian
Ivana Maletić MEP
(
26/10/2018
)
During this one-day conference, the ‘Smart Villages’ concept and its possibilities in the Zagreb County were presented and discussed. The event was organised by the EU Parliament member Ivana Maletić.
Language : Croatian
Type of resource : Article
During this one-day conference, the ‘Smart Villages’ concept and its possibilities in the Zagreb County were presented and discussed. The event was organised by the EU Parliament member Ivana Maletić.
Language : Croatian
Type of resource : Article
Tomislav Sokol MEP
-
Osijek-Baranja County
(
09/07/2021
)
During this one-day conference,the ‘Smart Villages’ concept and its possibilities were presented and discussed. The event was organised by EU Parliament member Tomislav Sokol, PhD, and Osijek-Baranja County.
Language : Croatian
Type of resource : Article
During this one-day conference,the ‘Smart Villages’ concept and its possibilities were presented and discussed. The event was organised by EU Parliament member Tomislav Sokol, PhD, and Osijek-Baranja County.
Language : Croatian
Type of resource : Article
Croatian Ministry of Agriculture
(
2020
)
Language : Croatian
Type of resource : Document
| The Strategy adopts a vision and plan for the transformation of Croatian agriculture and rural areas in the 2020-2030 period. This document is the basis for drafting, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all further strategic documents and plans for agricultureand rural development post-2020. It provides a basis for the development of a future strategic plan under the CAP, which must be prepared in accordance with the requirements of the 2021-2027 EU budget. |
Language : Croatian
Type of resource : Document
Croatian Ministry of Agriculture
(
2021
)
The National CAP Strategic Plan combines a wide range of targeted interventions addressing the specific needs of EU countries and delivering tangible results in relation to EU-level objectives, while contributing to the Green Deal ambitions.
Language : Croatian
Type of resource : Document
The National CAP Strategic Plan combines a wide range of targeted interventions addressing the specific needs of EU countries and delivering tangible results in relation to EU-level objectives, while contributing to the Green Deal ambitions.
Language : Croatian
Type of resource : Document
Clémentine Bibikoff
(
2018
–
Ongoing
)
A travelling grocery store in the form of a truck which can move between rural markets and sell locally produced and organic food products, cosmetics and washing items directly to customers and without any packaging. The itinerant grocery store offers a zero-waste and organic buying possibility for the inhabitants of a region at convenient locations for them and connected to local markets. The solution requires the development of partnerships between the truck owner and local producers and artisans who agree to sell their products through the truck. Once the truck has become known, it is typically possible to expand the service to include home delivery (including through the development of a website to accept orders) as well as potentially establish a physical shop in a rural town or large village. Thus the solution can be adapted to all needs –itinerant, online and on site – offering a real alternative to supermarkets and fighting against waste.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
A travelling grocery store in the form of a truck which can move between rural markets and sell locally produced and organic food products, cosmetics and washing items directly to customers and without any packaging. The itinerant grocery store offers a zero-waste and organic buying possibility for the inhabitants of a region at convenient locations for them and connected to local markets. The solution requires the development of partnerships between the truck owner and local producers and artisans who agree to sell their products through the truck. Once the truck has become known, it is typically possible to expand the service to include home delivery (including through the development of a website to accept orders) as well as potentially establish a physical shop in a rural town or large village. Thus the solution can be adapted to all needs –itinerant, online and on site – offering a real alternative to supermarkets and fighting against waste.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
Sophie Terris
(
2019
–
Ongoing
)
This digital community space is a form of Third Place (Tiers Lieu) which is defined as being separate from the home (‘first place) and work (‘second place’) – other examples can include churches, cafes and barbers shops. In this specific form, it includes private and shared offices, co-working rooms, spaces where seminars, conferences or training events can be organised, and other facilities such as a relaxation room. As well as the physical infrastructure, the digital third place should be the location for the provision of much needed support services for the implantation of new citizens or companies in the area. All these services are a way to transform the village into a more attractive location to both live and work for companies and citizens, helping to reverse cycles of decline. The digital third place is a great solution to be built and implemented through citizen participation and public-private partnership.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
This digital community space is a form of Third Place (Tiers Lieu) which is defined as being separate from the home (‘first place) and work (‘second place’) – other examples can include churches, cafes and barbers shops. In this specific form, it includes private and shared offices, co-working rooms, spaces where seminars, conferences or training events can be organised, and other facilities such as a relaxation room. As well as the physical infrastructure, the digital third place should be the location for the provision of much needed support services for the implantation of new citizens or companies in the area. All these services are a way to transform the village into a more attractive location to both live and work for companies and citizens, helping to reverse cycles of decline. The digital third place is a great solution to be built and implemented through citizen participation and public-private partnership.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
Irene Aparício
(
09/2020
–
Ongoing
)
A Small Business InstaMarket is an Instagram business page where local micro and small companies are invited to register in order to display and disseminate their products and services. Actions can focus on key moments, replicating the concept of a tradition market which is held on specific days. Rules of participation are agreed to establish registration procedures and requirements regarding the type of participants, as well as technical guidelines for the documentary elements to be provided by participants (e.g. short film or photographs of the product/service to be promoted), among other rules. Visitors can then follow and interact with their favourite businesses – and contact them directly to make orders. The InstaMarket page is constantly updated, and linked with specific planned events which can include specific product promotion (through e.g. workshops and business stands), recreational and cultural activities, and giveaways. These activities are designed to maintain follower interest and increase the account’s visibility.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
A Small Business InstaMarket is an Instagram business page where local micro and small companies are invited to register in order to display and disseminate their products and services. Actions can focus on key moments, replicating the concept of a tradition market which is held on specific days. Rules of participation are agreed to establish registration procedures and requirements regarding the type of participants, as well as technical guidelines for the documentary elements to be provided by participants (e.g. short film or photographs of the product/service to be promoted), among other rules. Visitors can then follow and interact with their favourite businesses – and contact them directly to make orders. The InstaMarket page is constantly updated, and linked with specific planned events which can include specific product promotion (through e.g. workshops and business stands), recreational and cultural activities, and giveaways. These activities are designed to maintain follower interest and increase the account’s visibility.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
Philippe Brulé
(
2018
–
Ongoing
)
This car-sharing system proposes one electric car for rent, recharged thanks to a photovoltaic system in a car-port providing shade to the vehicle. Local inhabitants are given priority use and pay a reduced price compared to external visitors. The car can be rented easily via a mobile application or an online platform. Rental is limited to a duration of one day maximum in order to guarantee the vehicle’s availability for others to share.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
This car-sharing system proposes one electric car for rent, recharged thanks to a photovoltaic system in a car-port providing shade to the vehicle. Local inhabitants are given priority use and pay a reduced price compared to external visitors. The car can be rented easily via a mobile application or an online platform. Rental is limited to a duration of one day maximum in order to guarantee the vehicle’s availability for others to share.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
Veerle Van Welden
(
2018
–
Ongoing
)
The solution is a new community space that meets multiple local needs particularly for the most vulnerable members of the local rural community including those experiencing poverty. It provides a physical space and café for people to meet, staffed by volunteers to welcome and support visitors. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided for free to visitors. The space is also used to collect and sell second-hand items for families, including clothes and furniture for kids, toys, and school items. Finally, the space is made available to local people for additional community activities, including meetings, workshops and small events.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
The solution is a new community space that meets multiple local needs particularly for the most vulnerable members of the local rural community including those experiencing poverty. It provides a physical space and café for people to meet, staffed by volunteers to welcome and support visitors. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided for free to visitors. The space is also used to collect and sell second-hand items for families, including clothes and furniture for kids, toys, and school items. Finally, the space is made available to local people for additional community activities, including meetings, workshops and small events.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
Municipality of Uppony
(
12/2020
)
The Summary Highlights of the Smart Village Strategy of Uppony has been developed in the context of the ‘Preparatory Action for Smart Rural Areas in the 21st Century’ project funded by the European Commission
Language : English
The Summary Highlights of the Smart Village Strategy of Uppony has been developed in the context of the ‘Preparatory Action for Smart Rural Areas in the 21st Century’ project funded by the European Commission
Language : English
