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.
Search by keyword
Hradec Králové smart region platform
A list of subsidy opportunities searchable by keyword and grouped by topic, provided on the Hradec Králové smart region platform
Language : Czech
A list of subsidy opportunities searchable by keyword and grouped by topic, provided on the Hradec Králové smart region platform
Language : Czech
Czech National Rural Network
(
20/05/2019
)
The working group’s aims are to support the national discussion on the topic of ‘smart countryside’ and to improve the conditions for the implementation of this principle in rural areas. Furthermore, the transfer of know-how from abroad to Czechia is to be ensured.
Language : Czech
The working group’s aims are to support the national discussion on the topic of ‘smart countryside’ and to improve the conditions for the implementation of this principle in rural areas. Furthermore, the transfer of know-how from abroad to Czechia is to be ensured.
Language : Czech
European Network for Rural Development Contact Point (ENRD CP)
, Czech National Rural Network
(
19/09/2018
)
A video produced by the ENRD Contact Point summarising what a ‘smart village’ represents from different perspectives. The National Rural Network collaborated in the preparation of the Czech subtitles.
Language : Czech, English
Type of resource : Video
A video produced by the ENRD Contact Point summarising what a ‘smart village’ represents from different perspectives. The National Rural Network collaborated in the preparation of the Czech subtitles.
Language : Czech, English
Type of resource : Video
National Network of Local Action Groups in Czechia
, Regional associations of the national network LAG of the Central Bohemian Region
(
20/03/2019
–
21/03/2019
)
Presentations from the final conference on ‘smart countryside’ and solutions in Dolní Břežan. The project ‘Education of LAGs in the field of innovative solutions’, including four seminars and a final two-day conference, was implemented by the Regional Association of the National Network of Local Action Groups (LAGs) of Czechia.
Language : Czech
Presentations from the final conference on ‘smart countryside’ and solutions in Dolní Břežan. The project ‘Education of LAGs in the field of innovative solutions’, including four seminars and a final two-day conference, was implemented by the Regional Association of the National Network of Local Action Groups (LAGs) of Czechia.
Language : Czech
Czech National Rural Network
(
05/2019
)
At lecture within the LEADERfest conference, an ENRD Contact Point representative overviewed the content of the four latest ENRD reports on the topic. These include available options to introduce specific elements and activities of ‘smart countryside’ in the 2014-2020 programming period and the course of actions to be expected under the Common Agricultural Policy after 2020.
Language : Czech, English
At lecture within the LEADERfest conference, an ENRD Contact Point representative overviewed the content of the four latest ENRD reports on the topic. These include available options to introduce specific elements and activities of ‘smart countryside’ in the 2014-2020 programming period and the course of actions to be expected under the Common Agricultural Policy after 2020.
Language : Czech, English
European Network for Rural Development Contact Point (ENRD CP)
(
2018
)
This issue of the EU Rural Review showcases rural communities across Europe taking the initiative to find practical solutions to challenges they face and seize new opportunities. It explores how digital and social innovation can be used in new, creative ways to improve basic services in rural areas. It further looks at national and regional approaches to creating an enabling environment, as well as how the Rural Development Programmes can catalyse rural service innovation. The translation in Czech and printing were financed under the Rural Development Programme, sub-measure 20.2 ‘Support for the establishment and operation of the National Rural Network’
Language : Czech
Type of resource : Publication
This issue of the EU Rural Review showcases rural communities across Europe taking the initiative to find practical solutions to challenges they face and seize new opportunities. It explores how digital and social innovation can be used in new, creative ways to improve basic services in rural areas. It further looks at national and regional approaches to creating an enabling environment, as well as how the Rural Development Programmes can catalyse rural service innovation. The translation in Czech and printing were financed under the Rural Development Programme, sub-measure 20.2 ‘Support for the establishment and operation of the National Rural Network’
Language : Czech
Type of resource : Publication
National Network of Local Action Groups in Czechia
, Association of Local Authorities of Czechia
(
2018
)
A leaflet describing the concept of a ‘smart countryside’ through graphics and showcasing the areas where the concept can be applied.
Language : Czech
Type of resource : Publication
A leaflet describing the concept of a ‘smart countryside’ through graphics and showcasing the areas where the concept can be applied.
Language : Czech
Type of resource : Publication
National network for the countryside
, Vysočina region LAG
(
22/10/2019
–
23/10/2019
)
An event dedicated to exchange of experience with smart solutions and approaches, sharing of information related to the implementation of community-led strategies and good and bad practices of the Community-led Local Development method.
Language : Czech
Type of resource : Event
An event dedicated to exchange of experience with smart solutions and approaches, sharing of information related to the implementation of community-led strategies and good and bad practices of the Community-led Local Development method.
Language : Czech
Type of resource : Event
National network for the countryside
, LAG Vyhlídky
, Regional associations of the national network LAG of the Central Bohemian Region
(
14/08/2018
–
15/08/2018
)
A two-day event targeted at representatives of Local Action Groups in the Central Bohemian Region, as important drivers of Rural Development policy implementation. The workshop introduced possibilities for Rural Development Programme and other EU funds to successfully implement projects and to inspire smart solutions in rural areas.
Language : Czech
Type of resource : Event
A two-day event targeted at representatives of Local Action Groups in the Central Bohemian Region, as important drivers of Rural Development policy implementation. The workshop introduced possibilities for Rural Development Programme and other EU funds to successfully implement projects and to inspire smart solutions in rural areas.
Language : Czech
Type of resource : Event
National Network of Local Action Groups in Czechia
(
2018
)
A presentation explaining what a ‘smart countryside’ is, defining the meaning of an ‘innovative broker’, and the added value of Local Action Groups in this respect.
Language : Czech
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation explaining what a ‘smart countryside’ is, defining the meaning of an ‘innovative broker’, and the added value of Local Action Groups in this respect.
Language : Czech
Type of resource : Presentation
The Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic
The National Rural Network (CSV) was designated to be the communication platform of the Rural Development Programme by the Ministry of Agriculture. The platform includes the complete content of the subsidy titles of the Rural Development Programme. The ‘smart village’ concept is represented only through partial measures in individual solutions, not as a concentrated approach.
Language : Czech
The National Rural Network (CSV) was designated to be the communication platform of the Rural Development Programme by the Ministry of Agriculture. The platform includes the complete content of the subsidy titles of the Rural Development Programme. The ‘smart village’ concept is represented only through partial measures in individual solutions, not as a concentrated approach.
Language : Czech
The Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic
(
03/2021
)
The preparation of the CAP Strategic Plan involves consultations with professional partners in the form of working groups. Presentations from past negotiations can be found at the link below.
Language : Czech
The preparation of the CAP Strategic Plan involves consultations with professional partners in the form of working groups. Presentations from past negotiations can be found at the link below.
Language : Czech
The Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic
(
10/2021
)
Working document of the CAP Strategic Plan, which was prepared and submitted to the European Commission for informal consultation in October 2021.
Language : Czech
Working document of the CAP Strategic Plan, which was prepared and submitted to the European Commission for informal consultation in October 2021.
Language : Czech
Eduardo Fernández de Pinedo
(
2018
–
Ongoing
)
The complete rehabilitation and reactivation of unused historic buildings through a public-private partnership type approach takes advantage of a ‘sleeping’ local asset in order to create an engine of transformation within a rural municipality. A key element is to undertake this work through a participatory process that works with local municipalities, but also engages local people and associations in the design as well as in the implementation of the rehabilitation and proposed use, as well as in the long-term management of the space. This both gives meaning to and can increase the chances of success of the eventual rehabilitation and reactivation efforts – harness public and private investment as well as engagement and commitment to see the project through. Engaging the community offers the potential to develop a feasible project idea combining financial with community, social, arts or other benefits. It offers the potential to develop space for uses as diverse as business centres and arts venues or hotels and community centres, including potential residential opportunities for local people. These can be selected according to the identified needs and development potential of the village. The purpose is to transform these ‘sleeping’ assets into generators of opportunities in different areas (employment, culture, social purposes, etc.), overcoming the barriers that can stop a single developer motivated principally by financial gain from undertaking the required investment. The approach thus provides a solution to a common challenge in many rural towns and villages: the existence of large historic and often public buildings without use and falling into increasing disrepair.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
The complete rehabilitation and reactivation of unused historic buildings through a public-private partnership type approach takes advantage of a ‘sleeping’ local asset in order to create an engine of transformation within a rural municipality. A key element is to undertake this work through a participatory process that works with local municipalities, but also engages local people and associations in the design as well as in the implementation of the rehabilitation and proposed use, as well as in the long-term management of the space. This both gives meaning to and can increase the chances of success of the eventual rehabilitation and reactivation efforts – harness public and private investment as well as engagement and commitment to see the project through. Engaging the community offers the potential to develop a feasible project idea combining financial with community, social, arts or other benefits. It offers the potential to develop space for uses as diverse as business centres and arts venues or hotels and community centres, including potential residential opportunities for local people. These can be selected according to the identified needs and development potential of the village. The purpose is to transform these ‘sleeping’ assets into generators of opportunities in different areas (employment, culture, social purposes, etc.), overcoming the barriers that can stop a single developer motivated principally by financial gain from undertaking the required investment. The approach thus provides a solution to a common challenge in many rural towns and villages: the existence of large historic and often public buildings without use and falling into increasing disrepair.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
Merle Vall
(
08/2010
–
Ongoing
)
The solution is to bring small rural producers together to create a shared point of sale through the creation of a daily operational Farmers Market. The physical Farmers Markets are often best located within cities – for example within an existing shopping centre – where a larger number of potential clients are located. The Farmers Market overcomes many of the difficulties that small rural producers have in terms of accessing markets (e.g. obstacles to supplying supermarkets, lack of visibility, lack of physical premises for direct sale, remote rural locations etc) by creating a shared point of sale and shared marketing. The well-established Farmers Market solution can be brought increasingly into the digital age through the creation of an eShop regrouping the same producers involved in the physical markets. This not only provides a convenient way for local people to continue to access the market outside of the normal opening hours, but offers potential access to consumers from a much wider geographical area. This increases the business development and job creation benefits that the joint market offers to producers in the region – including facilitating the entry of new entrants and young people into farming. A regional farmers market bringing together many rural producers is typically best done through the creation of a shared body – association of the producers – to run the market. The market thus has its own employees and professional team to develop the activities of the market. The Farmers Market and eShop aim to focus on the sale of produce, including through marketing and awareness raising. This enables small producers to focus on what they are best at: enhancing and expanding their production, creating new products and innovation – instead of having to dedicate so much of their time and energy into the selling and marketing phase (which is often not where their motivation or skills principally lie).
Type of resource : Smart Solution
The solution is to bring small rural producers together to create a shared point of sale through the creation of a daily operational Farmers Market. The physical Farmers Markets are often best located within cities – for example within an existing shopping centre – where a larger number of potential clients are located. The Farmers Market overcomes many of the difficulties that small rural producers have in terms of accessing markets (e.g. obstacles to supplying supermarkets, lack of visibility, lack of physical premises for direct sale, remote rural locations etc) by creating a shared point of sale and shared marketing. The well-established Farmers Market solution can be brought increasingly into the digital age through the creation of an eShop regrouping the same producers involved in the physical markets. This not only provides a convenient way for local people to continue to access the market outside of the normal opening hours, but offers potential access to consumers from a much wider geographical area. This increases the business development and job creation benefits that the joint market offers to producers in the region – including facilitating the entry of new entrants and young people into farming. A regional farmers market bringing together many rural producers is typically best done through the creation of a shared body – association of the producers – to run the market. The market thus has its own employees and professional team to develop the activities of the market. The Farmers Market and eShop aim to focus on the sale of produce, including through marketing and awareness raising. This enables small producers to focus on what they are best at: enhancing and expanding their production, creating new products and innovation – instead of having to dedicate so much of their time and energy into the selling and marketing phase (which is often not where their motivation or skills principally lie).
Type of resource : Smart Solution
Monique Thesing
(
2019
–
Ongoing
)
The citizen-financed vineyard concept is based on the creation of a formal organisation of local people to manage and run fallow or abandoned vineyards. Different financial models are possible, including collective ownership, community shares or a sponsorship model through which local people ‘sponsor’ a vine and in return receive bottles of wine from the sponsored vineyards. A major source of funding comes from the sales of the produced wine through ‘ordinary’ marketing channels. Additional funding is provided through a LEADER project, as well as through the membership fees of the association. The aim is to re-establish wine production, but also to create organic and conventional viticulture landscapes, and enhance nature conservation. Such efforts can be made in combination with fruit orchards or other nearby productive land. The solution is based on a non-profit, self-supporting citizen participation and financing model at the municipal operator level. It is delivered through a working group consisting of interested parties and community representatives. The establishment of a citizen vineyard aims to preserve traditional wine production, including propagation of traditional grape varieties and historical pruning methods, as well as aiming to foster tourism and nature conservation.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
The citizen-financed vineyard concept is based on the creation of a formal organisation of local people to manage and run fallow or abandoned vineyards. Different financial models are possible, including collective ownership, community shares or a sponsorship model through which local people ‘sponsor’ a vine and in return receive bottles of wine from the sponsored vineyards. A major source of funding comes from the sales of the produced wine through ‘ordinary’ marketing channels. Additional funding is provided through a LEADER project, as well as through the membership fees of the association. The aim is to re-establish wine production, but also to create organic and conventional viticulture landscapes, and enhance nature conservation. Such efforts can be made in combination with fruit orchards or other nearby productive land. The solution is based on a non-profit, self-supporting citizen participation and financing model at the municipal operator level. It is delivered through a working group consisting of interested parties and community representatives. The establishment of a citizen vineyard aims to preserve traditional wine production, including propagation of traditional grape varieties and historical pruning methods, as well as aiming to foster tourism and nature conservation.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
Aikaterini Kasimati
(
01/2018
–
12/2020
)
Precision viticulture involves the use of new and emerging technologies, including sensors, to collect information and data on various parameters of the vines and the terroir that affect vines’ growth. Global positioning systems (GPS), meteorologic and other environmental sensors, proximal sensors, as well as, satellite and airborne remote sensing to estimate LAI (Leaf Area Index), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and other vegetation indices, and geographic information systems (GIS) assess and respond to the vineyard variability. Sensor data is recorded remotely, pre-processed and analysed in order to correlate it to other information about the vines, including phenological data and grape and wine chemical analysis. In vineyards, emphasis is given during the summer months, May through September, when grapevines grow and produce grapes. This informs an evaluation of soil and plant characteristics and the production of maps that are then used to inform practical decisions in terms of watering, application of fertiliser and harvesting. The aim is to improve grape and wine quality at the same time as optimising the use of resources such as fertilisers, chemicals, seeds and irrigation for sustainable crop production.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
Precision viticulture involves the use of new and emerging technologies, including sensors, to collect information and data on various parameters of the vines and the terroir that affect vines’ growth. Global positioning systems (GPS), meteorologic and other environmental sensors, proximal sensors, as well as, satellite and airborne remote sensing to estimate LAI (Leaf Area Index), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and other vegetation indices, and geographic information systems (GIS) assess and respond to the vineyard variability. Sensor data is recorded remotely, pre-processed and analysed in order to correlate it to other information about the vines, including phenological data and grape and wine chemical analysis. In vineyards, emphasis is given during the summer months, May through September, when grapevines grow and produce grapes. This informs an evaluation of soil and plant characteristics and the production of maps that are then used to inform practical decisions in terms of watering, application of fertiliser and harvesting. The aim is to improve grape and wine quality at the same time as optimising the use of resources such as fertilisers, chemicals, seeds and irrigation for sustainable crop production.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
Verena Brandstetter
(
2018
–
Ongoing
)
The ‘beta campus’ solution goes beyond the traditional offer of co-working spaces and meeting rooms to provide users in rural areas with access to high-end new technologies through a ‘creative laboratory/workshop’. These facilities provide local businesses, home workers and other local groups with access to modern technologies such as 3-D printing, laser cutters, robots, audio and video recording studios and augmented and virtual reality studios, which they would be unlikely to have the capacity to invest in on their own. The availability of these technologies opens up the possibilities to develop business ideas that would otherwise be out of reach to local entrepreneurs and small businesses. Anyone may use the lab to learn and build their skills in new technologies and get new business ideas going. The lab also offers a weekly after-school programme for children and courses to allow young people to get in touch with new technologies and enhance their technical skills. The beta campus offers all the standard features of a co-working space, such as wifi, printers, a café lounge and accessibility for people with disabilities. Members are usually companies, but individuals are invited for membership too. Flexible time slots and singular or permanent access are offered. In its full iteration, the beta campus solution can extend to include local smart housing solutions and schools. In this way, the beta campus concept can aim to accompany the life-long learning journey of the people in the area and foster cooperation across sectors.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
The ‘beta campus’ solution goes beyond the traditional offer of co-working spaces and meeting rooms to provide users in rural areas with access to high-end new technologies through a ‘creative laboratory/workshop’. These facilities provide local businesses, home workers and other local groups with access to modern technologies such as 3-D printing, laser cutters, robots, audio and video recording studios and augmented and virtual reality studios, which they would be unlikely to have the capacity to invest in on their own. The availability of these technologies opens up the possibilities to develop business ideas that would otherwise be out of reach to local entrepreneurs and small businesses. Anyone may use the lab to learn and build their skills in new technologies and get new business ideas going. The lab also offers a weekly after-school programme for children and courses to allow young people to get in touch with new technologies and enhance their technical skills. The beta campus offers all the standard features of a co-working space, such as wifi, printers, a café lounge and accessibility for people with disabilities. Members are usually companies, but individuals are invited for membership too. Flexible time slots and singular or permanent access are offered. In its full iteration, the beta campus solution can extend to include local smart housing solutions and schools. In this way, the beta campus concept can aim to accompany the life-long learning journey of the people in the area and foster cooperation across sectors.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
Government of Spain
(
2021
)
One of the 10 lever policies of the Spanish Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan – the one that is most directly linked to the development of rural areas. Two components in particular foresee funding for rural areas:
Language : Spanish
One of the 10 lever policies of the Spanish Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan – the one that is most directly linked to the development of rural areas. Two components in particular foresee funding for rural areas:
- Component 2: Plan for housing rehabilitation and urban regeneration;
- Component 3: Environmental and digital transformation of the agri-food and fisheries systems.
Language : Spanish
Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Latvia
(
06/08/2019
)
A presentation given during the second consultation on the CAP Strategic Plan, overviewing the expected changes in the post-2020 CAP on issues such as the definition of a rural territory, conditions for distribution of LEADER funding, rural development needs, planned activities and support criteria.
Language : Latvian
A presentation given during the second consultation on the CAP Strategic Plan, overviewing the expected changes in the post-2020 CAP on issues such as the definition of a rural territory, conditions for distribution of LEADER funding, rural development needs, planned activities and support criteria.
Language : Latvian
Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture
(
05/11/2021
)
A presentation given at the 2nd Regional Workshop of the Smart Rural 21 project on implementing smart villages through the Austrian CAP Strategic Plan.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation given at the 2nd Regional Workshop of the Smart Rural 21 project on implementing smart villages through the Austrian CAP Strategic Plan.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
E40
(
05/11/2021
)
A presentation given at the 2nd Regional Workshop of the Smart Rural 21 project about the lessons learnt throughout the duration of the project.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation given at the 2nd Regional Workshop of the Smart Rural 21 project about the lessons learnt throughout the duration of the project.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Fritz Pichler
Municipality of Stanz
(
05/11/2021
)
A presentation given at the 2nd Regional Workshop of the Smart Rural 21 project on the activities and transformation process of Stanz im Mürtzal – one of the project’s 21 selected villages.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation given at the 2nd Regional Workshop of the Smart Rural 21 project on the activities and transformation process of Stanz im Mürtzal – one of the project’s 21 selected villages.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Meuse Campagnes LAG
The Walloon region is currently carrying out a study on the ecological network of the Walloon region, including the various interactions within the an ecosystem. Municipalities, associations and citizens have high expectations to intervene on the ground to validate, conserve and even restore the ecological network locally. The project works to leverage the regional study in order to meet local expectations and challenges through individual solutions. The project was nominated for the Rural Inspiration Awards 2021 of the European Network for Rural Development Contact Point.
Language : English
The Walloon region is currently carrying out a study on the ecological network of the Walloon region, including the various interactions within the an ecosystem. Municipalities, associations and citizens have high expectations to intervene on the ground to validate, conserve and even restore the ecological network locally. The project works to leverage the regional study in order to meet local expectations and challenges through individual solutions. The project was nominated for the Rural Inspiration Awards 2021 of the European Network for Rural Development Contact Point.
Language : English
Bulgarian Council of Ministers
(
21/07/2020
)
This National Strategy defines the vision and policy objectives for Bulgaria’s digital transformation in the 2020-2030 period as a summary policy framework of the National Digital Bulgaria 2025 Programme, the National Development Programme BULGARIA 2030, and a number of other national strategic documents. It is set against the backdrop of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the use of new technologies to achieve it. The Strategy does not use the term ‘smart villages’, but uses the term ‘smart settlements’ to account for both their unique assets and their specific development needs such as digital transition, sustainable urban mobility, smart grids, increasing energy efficiency, climate adaptation. All these elements are combined into an integrated approach as part of a smart development plan and contribute to addressing climate change and making the territory sustainable, socially inclusive and green.
Language : Bulgarian
This National Strategy defines the vision and policy objectives for Bulgaria’s digital transformation in the 2020-2030 period as a summary policy framework of the National Digital Bulgaria 2025 Programme, the National Development Programme BULGARIA 2030, and a number of other national strategic documents. It is set against the backdrop of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the use of new technologies to achieve it. The Strategy does not use the term ‘smart villages’, but uses the term ‘smart settlements’ to account for both their unique assets and their specific development needs such as digital transition, sustainable urban mobility, smart grids, increasing energy efficiency, climate adaptation. All these elements are combined into an integrated approach as part of a smart development plan and contribute to addressing climate change and making the territory sustainable, socially inclusive and green.
Language : Bulgarian
