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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Susanne Abildgaard Rud
-
BARK Rådgivning
(
18/03/2022
)
A presentation on sustainable development in rural communities given at the fourth Smart Rural 21 regional workshop.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation on sustainable development in rural communities given at the fourth Smart Rural 21 regional workshop.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Peter Plant
, Wiet van Meel
, Edina Ocsko
, Alberto Alfonso Pordomingo
, Szidónia Nagy-Menyhárt
-
Municipality of Remetea
, Torup Ting
, Tussenheid Hilvarenbeek
, E40
, Apadrinaunolivo.org
(
18/03/2022
)
A presentation on the state-of-play of the Smart Rural 21 project and four of its participating villages: Remetea (Romania) and Torup (Denmark); and the Come Along! villages Oliete (Spain) and Hilvarenbeek (The Netherlands). The presentation was given at the 4th Smart Rural 21 Regional Workshop.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation on the state-of-play of the Smart Rural 21 project and four of its participating villages: Remetea (Romania) and Torup (Denmark); and the Come Along! villages Oliete (Spain) and Hilvarenbeek (The Netherlands). The presentation was given at the 4th Smart Rural 21 Regional Workshop.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Stefan Jensen
-
European Commission – Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development
(
18/03/2022
)
A presentation on the latest developments around Smart Villages, given at the 4th Smart Rural 21 Regional Workshop.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation on the latest developments around Smart Villages, given at the 4th Smart Rural 21 Regional Workshop.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
E40
(
18/03/2022
)
A presentation on the state-of-play of the Smart Rural 21 project, given at the 4th Smart Rural 21 Regional Workshop.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation on the state-of-play of the Smart Rural 21 project, given at the 4th Smart Rural 21 Regional Workshop.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Udo Onnen-Weber
(
2015
–
Ongoing
)
The Citizen-run Bus Service is an on-demand transport service, using voluntary local drivers and operated by a non-profit association – called a citizens’ bus association – made up of local stakeholders, including local mayors, interested citizens, the district government, and the regional public transport operator. The association purchases the required vehicles – typically including minibus or people-carrier size vehicles to cater for larger groups and also favouring electric vehicles where possible. The association also recruits local drivers, who make themselves available on a voluntary basis and live in the villages so that they can really serve spontaneously when called. Although under no obligation to be available at any given time, the volunteer drivers can still be rewarded financially through an honorary flat rate or sometimes employed in a ‘mini-job’ scheme. Local people can book a journey using a telephone booking service or through an app. Journeys can be booked for door-to-door trips between any locations in the region as well as for making connections with the standard public transport network – particularly for onward travel to major cities. Many passengers are thus travelling intermodally, as they use both the on-demand service and the main public transport network for their journey. People booking the journey do not have to pay. The costs are born by the citizen bus association. However, it is up to the users to give a voluntary donation for a ride, which some people tend to do. The service can connect even the most remote villages to the public transport network, or between each other, enabling potentially isolated users to have improved access to good, services and social connections. This includes access to shops, leisure facilities and public services/administration – as well as with friends and relatives living in other villages.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
The Citizen-run Bus Service is an on-demand transport service, using voluntary local drivers and operated by a non-profit association – called a citizens’ bus association – made up of local stakeholders, including local mayors, interested citizens, the district government, and the regional public transport operator. The association purchases the required vehicles – typically including minibus or people-carrier size vehicles to cater for larger groups and also favouring electric vehicles where possible. The association also recruits local drivers, who make themselves available on a voluntary basis and live in the villages so that they can really serve spontaneously when called. Although under no obligation to be available at any given time, the volunteer drivers can still be rewarded financially through an honorary flat rate or sometimes employed in a ‘mini-job’ scheme. Local people can book a journey using a telephone booking service or through an app. Journeys can be booked for door-to-door trips between any locations in the region as well as for making connections with the standard public transport network – particularly for onward travel to major cities. Many passengers are thus travelling intermodally, as they use both the on-demand service and the main public transport network for their journey. People booking the journey do not have to pay. The costs are born by the citizen bus association. However, it is up to the users to give a voluntary donation for a ride, which some people tend to do. The service can connect even the most remote villages to the public transport network, or between each other, enabling potentially isolated users to have improved access to good, services and social connections. This includes access to shops, leisure facilities and public services/administration – as well as with friends and relatives living in other villages.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
Pierre-Bernard Van Acker
(
2017
–
2018
)
The smartphone app uses geolocation to show information on available local services and facilities according to the location where it is consulted. It gives the inhabitant or visitor detailed information about everything that can be used and experienced in the area, including public services and resources, including shops, restaurants, leisure facilities and playgrounds. The app can be designed to cover all the municipalities of a rural region or focus in on one particular area, but it provides a more attractive offer to users if it covers a wider range – making it more likely to be used. The overall aim of the app is to facilitate municipal services, improve the digital visibility of local entrepreneurs, and raise the profile of tourism, providing a digital communication channel for residents and visitors. The app can be based on an existing online platform (website) that regroups the available services and businesses in a set area. The app can also be used to collect data to inform market understanding and even to inform policy decisions.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
The smartphone app uses geolocation to show information on available local services and facilities according to the location where it is consulted. It gives the inhabitant or visitor detailed information about everything that can be used and experienced in the area, including public services and resources, including shops, restaurants, leisure facilities and playgrounds. The app can be designed to cover all the municipalities of a rural region or focus in on one particular area, but it provides a more attractive offer to users if it covers a wider range – making it more likely to be used. The overall aim of the app is to facilitate municipal services, improve the digital visibility of local entrepreneurs, and raise the profile of tourism, providing a digital communication channel for residents and visitors. The app can be based on an existing online platform (website) that regroups the available services and businesses in a set area. The app can also be used to collect data to inform market understanding and even to inform policy decisions.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
Adrián Serna del Pozo
(
31/05/2019
–
31/05/2020
)
The provision of free public Wi-Fi involves the installation of a powerful wireless repeater/booster to transmit a high-speed internet connection across the municipality, where it can be received by antennae which capture the connection and make it available to nearby users. Installing the system relies on the availability of a broadband internet access somewhere in the municipality, which can then be retransmitted and made available across a wider area. The solution involves putting in place a powerful transmitter, which connects to and broadcasts out the main internet connection. This transmitter should ideally be located in a high-up location to enable direct ‘line-of-sight’ connectivity with the receiving antennae. It can be powered with solar panels to avoid the requirement to connect it to the mains power grid. As many receiving antennae as are needed can then be installed in different areas of the municipality to provide local access points. These should be located according to need, thinking about both public buildings (municipal buildings, libraries, schools etc.) and outdoor spaces (such as public squares and parks). The municipality can pay for the internet connection of all users, offering it free of charge for private and business users in the municipality, thus providing free access to the internet in areas previously suffering the consequences of the digital divide – including in locations which still have no mobile phone 3G or 4G connectivity. The solution is therefore much cheaper to operate than alternatives based on multiple separate internet connections, which all need to be paid for separately on the private market. Providing this solution overcomes the rural digital divide locally, providing an enabling environment for the activities of residents, visitors and businesses. It can also then enable other solutions, such as the implementation of new digital public services for local inhabitants.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
The provision of free public Wi-Fi involves the installation of a powerful wireless repeater/booster to transmit a high-speed internet connection across the municipality, where it can be received by antennae which capture the connection and make it available to nearby users. Installing the system relies on the availability of a broadband internet access somewhere in the municipality, which can then be retransmitted and made available across a wider area. The solution involves putting in place a powerful transmitter, which connects to and broadcasts out the main internet connection. This transmitter should ideally be located in a high-up location to enable direct ‘line-of-sight’ connectivity with the receiving antennae. It can be powered with solar panels to avoid the requirement to connect it to the mains power grid. As many receiving antennae as are needed can then be installed in different areas of the municipality to provide local access points. These should be located according to need, thinking about both public buildings (municipal buildings, libraries, schools etc.) and outdoor spaces (such as public squares and parks). The municipality can pay for the internet connection of all users, offering it free of charge for private and business users in the municipality, thus providing free access to the internet in areas previously suffering the consequences of the digital divide – including in locations which still have no mobile phone 3G or 4G connectivity. The solution is therefore much cheaper to operate than alternatives based on multiple separate internet connections, which all need to be paid for separately on the private market. Providing this solution overcomes the rural digital divide locally, providing an enabling environment for the activities of residents, visitors and businesses. It can also then enable other solutions, such as the implementation of new digital public services for local inhabitants.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
Eneko Maioz Ganboa
(
01/12/2018
–
31/08/2021
)
A Local Energy Community is formed by neighbours, private companies and public institutions with the task of producing and distributing renewable public energy – and related benefits – according to the needs of the local community. It can also carry out and promote further actions for the energy sustainability of the community. The aims are on the one hand to reduce both the cost and the environmental impact of local energy consumption, including potentially to achieve full energy sovereignty for the local community, and on the other hand to ensure a just and fair distribution of the generated energy in order to support local business opportunities and families in need. The community can plan and manage the installation of renewable energy infrastructure in the local area, such as installing photovoltaic panels on roofs belonging both to municipal and private buildings. It also establishes a distribution system for sharing the new energy generated among the different local users, including public institutions, private companies and inhabitants. Public institutions can be a key stakeholder to make or support the first investments in installing the required infrastructure, which would otherwise be beyond the resources of local businesses and inhabitants on their own. The community can decide to distribute the benefits of the system as it chooses, for example to offer incentives for companies to boost the economic activity of the village, and/or to offer significant energy cost savings to the most vulnerable families of the village.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
A Local Energy Community is formed by neighbours, private companies and public institutions with the task of producing and distributing renewable public energy – and related benefits – according to the needs of the local community. It can also carry out and promote further actions for the energy sustainability of the community. The aims are on the one hand to reduce both the cost and the environmental impact of local energy consumption, including potentially to achieve full energy sovereignty for the local community, and on the other hand to ensure a just and fair distribution of the generated energy in order to support local business opportunities and families in need. The community can plan and manage the installation of renewable energy infrastructure in the local area, such as installing photovoltaic panels on roofs belonging both to municipal and private buildings. It also establishes a distribution system for sharing the new energy generated among the different local users, including public institutions, private companies and inhabitants. Public institutions can be a key stakeholder to make or support the first investments in installing the required infrastructure, which would otherwise be beyond the resources of local businesses and inhabitants on their own. The community can decide to distribute the benefits of the system as it chooses, for example to offer incentives for companies to boost the economic activity of the village, and/or to offer significant energy cost savings to the most vulnerable families of the village.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
Ministry of Investments, Regional Development, and Informati-sation of the Slovak Republic
The aim is to improve the overall quality of life and ensure the sustainable provision of public services for regions, cities and municipalities. Priorities of the programme in the area of safe and ecological transport in regions, access to efficient and better public services, creative industries, etc. (Structural Funds)
Language : Slovak
The aim is to improve the overall quality of life and ensure the sustainable provision of public services for regions, cities and municipalities. Priorities of the programme in the area of safe and ecological transport in regions, access to efficient and better public services, creative industries, etc. (Structural Funds)
Language : Slovak
Andrea Lorenzini
, Giorgio Ambrosino
, Brendan Finn
-
MemEx Srl
(
27/01/2022
)
A presentation given at the 3rd Smart Rural 21 Regional Workshop on the outcomes of the SMARTA project. Its objective was to enhance the policies and practices on mobility in rural areas, leading to sustainable and accessible rural areas in EU countries.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation given at the 3rd Smart Rural 21 Regional Workshop on the outcomes of the SMARTA project. Its objective was to enhance the policies and practices on mobility in rural areas, leading to sustainable and accessible rural areas in EU countries.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Ruud Groenendijk
-
Tussenheid Hilvarenbeek
(
27/01/2022
)
A presentation given at the 3rd Smart Rural 21 Regional Workshop on ways in which flexible bus transport is provided to the community of Hilvarenbeek, one of the project’s Come Along! villages.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation given at the 3rd Smart Rural 21 Regional Workshop on ways in which flexible bus transport is provided to the community of Hilvarenbeek, one of the project’s Come Along! villages.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Marco Volontá
-
S.I.Ri.O. SRL
(
27/01/2022
)
A presentation given at the 3rd Smart Rural 21 Regional Workshop on ways in which e-mobility was supported in Ostana (Italy), explaining the intervention actions and strategic elements of the support.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation given at the 3rd Smart Rural 21 Regional Workshop on ways in which e-mobility was supported in Ostana (Italy), explaining the intervention actions and strategic elements of the support.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Silvia Rovere
-
Municipality of Ostana
(
27/01/2022
)
A presentation given at the 3rd Smart Rural 21 Regional Workshop on the significance of smart villages for rural communities, delivered by the Mayor of Ostana (Italy).
Language : Italian
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation given at the 3rd Smart Rural 21 Regional Workshop on the significance of smart villages for rural communities, delivered by the Mayor of Ostana (Italy).
Language : Italian
Type of resource : Presentation
Mara Lai
-
CREA Ricerche (CREA Research) – Consiglio per la Ricerca in agricoltura e l’economia agraria (National Council for Research in Agriculture and Agriculture Economy)
(
27/01/2022
)
A presentation given at the 3rd Smart Rural 21 Regional Workshop on the support framework for smart villages in Italy.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation given at the 3rd Smart Rural 21 Regional Workshop on the support framework for smart villages in Italy.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Antonio de Rossi
-
Politecnico di Torino
(
27/01/2022
)
A presentation given at the 3rd Smart Rural 21 Regional Workshop on architecture and social innovation in the village.
Language : Italian
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation given at the 3rd Smart Rural 21 Regional Workshop on architecture and social innovation in the village.
Language : Italian
Type of resource : Presentation
Laura Cantarella
, Enrica Alberti
-
VISO A VISO
(
27/01/2022
)
A presentation given at the 3rd Smart Rural 21 Regional Workshop on the smart approach of Ostana (Italy), its vision and holistic approach.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation given at the 3rd Smart Rural 21 Regional Workshop on the smart approach of Ostana (Italy), its vision and holistic approach.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Simone D’Antonio
(
27/01/2022
)
A presentation given at the 3rd Smart Rural 21 Regional Workshop on ways in which the project is supporting Ostana (Italy), one of the 21 selected villages.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation given at the 3rd Smart Rural 21 Regional Workshop on ways in which the project is supporting Ostana (Italy), one of the 21 selected villages.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Fritz Pichler
-
Municipality of Stanz
(
27/01/2022
)
A presentation given at the 3rd Smart Rural 21 Regional Workshop on the social engagement of Stanz im Mürztal (Austria), one of the project’s 21 selected villages.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation given at the 3rd Smart Rural 21 Regional Workshop on the social engagement of Stanz im Mürztal (Austria), one of the project’s 21 selected villages.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Wiet van Meel
-
Tussenheid Hilvarenbeek
(
27/01/2022
)
A presentation given at the 3rd Smart Rural 21 Regional Workshop on the Smart Village Strategy of Hilvarenbeek (the Netherlands), one of the project’s Come Along! villages.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation given at the 3rd Smart Rural 21 Regional Workshop on the Smart Village Strategy of Hilvarenbeek (the Netherlands), one of the project’s Come Along! villages.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Kyriakos Kareklas
(
1970
–
Ongoing
)
The Municipal Council of Volunteers (MCV) is a membership organisation, coordinated by an elected body, that provides different tailored services to offer critical support to members of the community through volunteering. Funding comes from private donations and government subsidies. However, the essence of the MCV is the time and resources spent by volunteers. The MCV has a particular focus on delivering social services for the most vulnerable members of the community, for example through elder care services, daycare services or early years care and education support. It can also coordinate volunteer interventions in other areas such as energy efficiency, nature management and climate change. In this way, the MCV provides crucial additional support that goes beyond the typical capacity of the municipality to provide much needed social and environmental services and beyond the existing public welfare and social systems. A crucial aspect of its work is to identify and understand the different support needs within the community – particularly the most vulnerable and isolated members. On that basis, it can better target the intervention of volunteers within the community. The MCV is open to everyone in the community and particular emphasis is placed on intergenerational cooperation – bringing together volunteers of all ages and supporting members of the community of all ages. It is a powerful approach not only to maximise social support, but also foster community spirit and engagement and enhance quality of life, especially in small municipalities. A crucial innovative element of the MCV is the close collaboration of the volunteers and the (local and national) authorities. The services are offered under a unified approach to mobilising and organising volunteers, following strict standards that are set and audited by the authorities. The services are operated by professionals that are employed on a full-time basis, thus creating job opportunities. In terms of governance, the MCV is comprised of local members, consisting of representatives of the organised groups of the Municipality and authorities of various services, such as political parties, the church and parents’ associations. The Steering Committee, which is elected by the members every 3 years, with the Mayor as Chairman, has responsibility for the administration, supervision, operation and promotion of the purposes of the Council.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
The Municipal Council of Volunteers (MCV) is a membership organisation, coordinated by an elected body, that provides different tailored services to offer critical support to members of the community through volunteering. Funding comes from private donations and government subsidies. However, the essence of the MCV is the time and resources spent by volunteers. The MCV has a particular focus on delivering social services for the most vulnerable members of the community, for example through elder care services, daycare services or early years care and education support. It can also coordinate volunteer interventions in other areas such as energy efficiency, nature management and climate change. In this way, the MCV provides crucial additional support that goes beyond the typical capacity of the municipality to provide much needed social and environmental services and beyond the existing public welfare and social systems. A crucial aspect of its work is to identify and understand the different support needs within the community – particularly the most vulnerable and isolated members. On that basis, it can better target the intervention of volunteers within the community. The MCV is open to everyone in the community and particular emphasis is placed on intergenerational cooperation – bringing together volunteers of all ages and supporting members of the community of all ages. It is a powerful approach not only to maximise social support, but also foster community spirit and engagement and enhance quality of life, especially in small municipalities. A crucial innovative element of the MCV is the close collaboration of the volunteers and the (local and national) authorities. The services are offered under a unified approach to mobilising and organising volunteers, following strict standards that are set and audited by the authorities. The services are operated by professionals that are employed on a full-time basis, thus creating job opportunities. In terms of governance, the MCV is comprised of local members, consisting of representatives of the organised groups of the Municipality and authorities of various services, such as political parties, the church and parents’ associations. The Steering Committee, which is elected by the members every 3 years, with the Mayor as Chairman, has responsibility for the administration, supervision, operation and promotion of the purposes of the Council.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
Aikaterini Kasimati
-
Agricultural University of Athens
(
27/01/2022
)
A presentation given at the third Smart Rural 21 regional workshop on Kythera’s (Greece) Smart Village Strategy and the involvement of the community in related smart actions, as one of the project’s 21 selected villages.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation given at the third Smart Rural 21 regional workshop on Kythera’s (Greece) Smart Village Strategy and the involvement of the community in related smart actions, as one of the project’s 21 selected villages.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Mirka Huhtanen
(
27/01/2022
)
A presentation given at the 3rd Smart Rural 21 Regional Workshop on the social engagement of Raudanmaa (Finland), one of the project’s 21 selected villages.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation given at the 3rd Smart Rural 21 Regional Workshop on the social engagement of Raudanmaa (Finland), one of the project’s 21 selected villages.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
E40
(
14/09/2021
)
A presentation given at the 1st Regional Workshop of the Smart Rural 21 project (Tomaszyn, Poland) on the lessons learnt during the project.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation given at the 1st Regional Workshop of the Smart Rural 21 project (Tomaszyn, Poland) on the lessons learnt during the project.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
E40
(
27/01/2022
)
A presentation given at the 3rd Smart Rural 21 Regional Workshop on the state-of-play of the project.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation given at the 3rd Smart Rural 21 Regional Workshop on the state-of-play of the project.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
(
12/09/2021
)
A video recording of the Tomaszyn BioTech Conference
Language : English
Type of resource : Video
A video recording of the Tomaszyn BioTech Conference
Language : English
Type of resource : Video
Aldo Vargas
(
14/09/2021
)
A presentation at the first regional workshop of the Smart Rural 21 project (Tomaszyn, Poland) on the support provided to Tomaszyn by the Smart Rural 21 project.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation at the first regional workshop of the Smart Rural 21 project (Tomaszyn, Poland) on the support provided to Tomaszyn by the Smart Rural 21 project.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Joanna Gierulska
-
Polish Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
(
14/09/2021
)
A presentation at the first regional workshop of the Smart Rural 21 project (Tomaszyn, Poland) on the support framework provided to Smart Villages in Poland.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation at the first regional workshop of the Smart Rural 21 project (Tomaszyn, Poland) on the support framework provided to Smart Villages in Poland.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Kateřina Čadilová
-
Municipality of Mukařov
(
05/11/2021
)
A presentation given at of the 2nd Regional Workshop of the Smart Rural 21 project by Mukařov, one of the project’s 21 selected villages, on the challenges, achievements and activities of the community.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation given at of the 2nd Regional Workshop of the Smart Rural 21 project by Mukařov, one of the project’s 21 selected villages, on the challenges, achievements and activities of the community.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Polonca Kavcic
, Nives Laharnar
-
Municipality of Šentviška Gora
(
05/11/2021
)
A presentation given at the 2nd Regional Workshop of the Smart Rural 21 project on the intergenerational centre and other smart activities of Šentviška Gora Plateau, 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 intergenerational centre and other smart activities of Šentviška Gora Plateau, one of the project’s 21 selected villages.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Géza Gelencsér
(
05/11/2021
)
A presentation given at the 2nd Regional Workshop of the Smart Rural 21 project on the smart vision of Uppony, 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 smart vision of Uppony, one of the project’s 21 selected villages.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
