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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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
Bulgarian Council of Ministers
(
19/01/2020
)
A National Programme, continuation of ‘Digital Bulgaria 2015’, setting out the conditions for building innovative digital infrastructure, using e-services, and enhancing digital skills. The programme is based on new European strategic and programming guidelines for achieving smart, sustainable, and society-oriented digital growth. The aim of ‘Digital Bulgaria 2025’ is to establish a package of measures in order to ensure a strong, competitive data-based economy exploiting the potential of innovative technologies, such as cloud services, databases, artificial intelligence, blockchain, etc. The document does not use the term smart villages, but defines that regions that are lagging behind in their digital development are also lagging behind in their social economic development and are at risk of remaining ‘ripped off of information’, exacerbating other disparities. That led to the planning of a measure “Building next generation broadband with a focus on rural areas” under Objective 3: Closing regional disparities by stimulating investment in ICT infrastructures and technologies.
Language : Bulgarian
A National Programme, continuation of ‘Digital Bulgaria 2015’, setting out the conditions for building innovative digital infrastructure, using e-services, and enhancing digital skills. The programme is based on new European strategic and programming guidelines for achieving smart, sustainable, and society-oriented digital growth. The aim of ‘Digital Bulgaria 2025’ is to establish a package of measures in order to ensure a strong, competitive data-based economy exploiting the potential of innovative technologies, such as cloud services, databases, artificial intelligence, blockchain, etc. The document does not use the term smart villages, but defines that regions that are lagging behind in their digital development are also lagging behind in their social economic development and are at risk of remaining ‘ripped off of information’, exacerbating other disparities. That led to the planning of a measure “Building next generation broadband with a focus on rural areas” under Objective 3: Closing regional disparities by stimulating investment in ICT infrastructures and technologies.
Language : Bulgarian
Bulgarian LEADER Network Association
(
18/12/2021
–
19/08/2021
)
A conference bringing together representatives from over 50 Bulgarian LAGs and other institutions and organisations involved in CLLD implementation. A specific panel discussed the smart villages concept. The event was organised by the Bulgarian LEADER Network Association.
Language : Bulgarian
A conference bringing together representatives from over 50 Bulgarian LAGs and other institutions and organisations involved in CLLD implementation. A specific panel discussed the smart villages concept. The event was organised by the Bulgarian LEADER Network Association.
Language : Bulgarian
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Romania
, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry of Bulgaria
(
07/10/2020
–
08/12/2021
)
An international conference on CLLD implementation in Bulgaria and the EU attended by over 200 representatives of Bulgarian and Romanian LAGs as well as other institution and organisations involved in CLLD implementation in both countries. A specific panel discussed the smart villages concept. The event was jointly organised by the Bulgarian and Romanian Ministries of Agriculture.
Language : Bulgarian
An international conference on CLLD implementation in Bulgaria and the EU attended by over 200 representatives of Bulgarian and Romanian LAGs as well as other institution and organisations involved in CLLD implementation in both countries. A specific panel discussed the smart villages concept. The event was jointly organised by the Bulgarian and Romanian Ministries of Agriculture.
Language : Bulgarian
Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Latvia
(
25/05/2021
)
A presentation given during the fourth 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 fourth 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
Kristiina Tammets
-
Estonian Village Movement (Kodukant)
, Estonian National Rural Network
, LAG Tartu County Development Association
, Ministry of Rural Affairs
, Ministry of Social Affairs
, Estonian LEADER Union
, Association of Estonian Cities and Municipalities
(
05/2021
–
12/2022
)
A LEADER cooperation project involving half of Estonia’s 26 Local Action Groups and 24 villages in a national 1.5 year training programme on smart villages. Lead partner: LAG Tartu County Development Association. The expected results include:
Language : Estonian
A LEADER cooperation project involving half of Estonia’s 26 Local Action Groups and 24 villages in a national 1.5 year training programme on smart villages. Lead partner: LAG Tartu County Development Association. The expected results include:
- 24 smart village strategies;
- 24 pilot actions;
- a National Smart Village Network to be established and linked with the Europe-wide Smart Rural 21 network;
- enhancement of public awareness and know-how of Estonian villages, governmental institutions;
- increased experience of LEADER LAGs in implementing the smart villages approach and planning follow-up activities into their Local Development Strategies in the 2021-2027 programming period.
Language : Estonian
Estonian National Rural Network
(
13/11/2020
)
A seminar of November 2020 on already existing smart solutions in Estonian rural areas and practical examples of smart villages. The event brought together representatives of villages and regions and LEADER Local Action Groups.
Language : Estonian
A seminar of November 2020 on already existing smart solutions in Estonian rural areas and practical examples of smart villages. The event brought together representatives of villages and regions and LEADER Local Action Groups.
Language : Estonian
Highclere Consulting
(
11/2021
–
Ongoing
)
A webpage dedicated to smart villages at the national level, intended as a knowledge platform and point of contact.
Language : Romanian
A webpage dedicated to smart villages at the national level, intended as a knowledge platform and point of contact.
Language : Romanian
Semanský (Jr) Rudolf
(
10/2021
)
This plan is part of the smart actions in Mukarov on planning a space for young people, with their close engagement (assessing their needs, getting their suggestions, etc.). The plan was presented by the architect to the local young people in October 2020, and a discussion took place to take account of the ideas and needs of the teenagers.
This plan is part of the smart actions in Mukarov on planning a space for young people, with their close engagement (assessing their needs, getting their suggestions, etc.). The plan was presented by the architect to the local young people in October 2020, and a discussion took place to take account of the ideas and needs of the teenagers.
Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development (BBSR)
The ‘Heimat 2.0’ model and research project funds model projects to implement digital solutions for public services and improved quality of life specifically in disadvantaged rural areas. It builds on the completed research programme ‘MORO digital’ and falls under the framework of the Federal Rural Development Scheme (Bundesprogramm Ländliche Entwicklung, BULE).
Language : German
The ‘Heimat 2.0’ model and research project funds model projects to implement digital solutions for public services and improved quality of life specifically in disadvantaged rural areas. It builds on the completed research programme ‘MORO digital’ and falls under the framework of the Federal Rural Development Scheme (Bundesprogramm Ländliche Entwicklung, BULE).
Language : German
Katrina Idu
-
Latvian Rural Forum
, LAG Zied Zeme
, LAG Pierīgas partnerība
, LAG Jūras zeme
(
10/06/2019
–
31/12/2021
)
LEADER CLLD transnational co-operation projects, where Latvian Rural Forum in close cooperation with LAGs will implement informative campaign, develop criteria for Smart Villages in Latvia and other informative activities, as well as work in 24 rural villages to develop and implement smart strategies, identifying and working with community leaders, organising creative workshops and other activities.
Language : Latvian
LEADER CLLD transnational co-operation projects, where Latvian Rural Forum in close cooperation with LAGs will implement informative campaign, develop criteria for Smart Villages in Latvia and other informative activities, as well as work in 24 rural villages to develop and implement smart strategies, identifying and working with community leaders, organising creative workshops and other activities.
Language : Latvian
Territorio Rural Inteligente
(
2020
)
A think tank, bringing together a group of experts with experience in the different areas of the development of the rural environment, agriculture and livestock, economy, services, technology and other disciplines
Language : Spanish
A think tank, bringing together a group of experts with experience in the different areas of the development of the rural environment, agriculture and livestock, economy, services, technology and other disciplines
Language : Spanish
Andalucía Regional Government
Andalucía’s regional strategy for smart cities and villages.
Language : Spanish
Andalucía’s regional strategy for smart cities and villages.
Language : Spanish
Córdoba Deputation
(
04/12/2012
–
Ongoing
)
The first working group of the Córdoba Network of Municipalities towards sustainability, whose general objective is to promote collaboration and exchange of experiences in order to achieve sustainable development in the municipalities (cities and villages) of the province of Córdoba. The group was formed on 4 December 2012
Language : Spanish
The first working group of the Córdoba Network of Municipalities towards sustainability, whose general objective is to promote collaboration and exchange of experiences in order to achieve sustainable development in the municipalities (cities and villages) of the province of Córdoba. The group was formed on 4 December 2012
Language : Spanish
Spanish National Rural Network (Red Rural Nacional)
(
22/05/2018
–
31/05/2018
)
The declaration was produced on the basis of contributions by experts who attended the event ‘Digitalisation and Intelligent Rural Territories: for a Smart, Dynamic and Connected Rural World’ of 31 May 2018 in Añora, Córdoba, Spain. The event saw an exchange of experience and good practice related to innovation and digitalisation as instruments to promote smart rural territories. It was organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Food and Environment, with the collaboration of the National Rural Network.
Language : Spanish
Type of resource : Document
The declaration was produced on the basis of contributions by experts who attended the event ‘Digitalisation and Intelligent Rural Territories: for a Smart, Dynamic and Connected Rural World’ of 31 May 2018 in Añora, Córdoba, Spain. The event saw an exchange of experience and good practice related to innovation and digitalisation as instruments to promote smart rural territories. It was organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Food and Environment, with the collaboration of the National Rural Network.
Language : Spanish
Type of resource : Document
Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDEA)
(
2021
)
Investment plan for energy rehabilitation of buildings in municipalities facing a demographic challenge. PREE 5000 funds actions ranging from changes in the thermal envelope, to the replacement of thermal generation facilities with fossil fuels for thermal generation based on renewable sources and the incorporation of regulation and control technologies, as well as the improvement in energy efficiency in lighting. In addition, the Programme promotes actions carried out by renewable energy communities or citizen energy communities, as set out in the latest directives on renewable energies and the internal energy market.
Language : Spanish
Investment plan for energy rehabilitation of buildings in municipalities facing a demographic challenge. PREE 5000 funds actions ranging from changes in the thermal envelope, to the replacement of thermal generation facilities with fossil fuels for thermal generation based on renewable sources and the incorporation of regulation and control technologies, as well as the improvement in energy efficiency in lighting. In addition, the Programme promotes actions carried out by renewable energy communities or citizen energy communities, as set out in the latest directives on renewable energies and the internal energy market.
Language : Spanish
Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDEA)
(
2021
)
Investment plan for unique local clean energy projects in municipalities with facing a demographic challenge. The objective of the DUS 5000 Programme is to give a boost to Sustainable Urban Development in municipalities with demographic challenges, through actions that constitute unique clean energy projects. These can include energy efficiency projects in public buildings and infrastructures, promoting green investments, as well as sustainable mobility, ensuring the participation of municipalities in the deployment of charging infrastructure and promoting electric vehicles, including energy saving measures.
Language : Spanish
Investment plan for unique local clean energy projects in municipalities with facing a demographic challenge. The objective of the DUS 5000 Programme is to give a boost to Sustainable Urban Development in municipalities with demographic challenges, through actions that constitute unique clean energy projects. These can include energy efficiency projects in public buildings and infrastructures, promoting green investments, as well as sustainable mobility, ensuring the participation of municipalities in the deployment of charging infrastructure and promoting electric vehicles, including energy saving measures.
Language : Spanish
Government of Spain
(
2021
)
A Spanish Government strategy to channel the Next Generation Funds. This strategy and the funds are distributed in the country through four cross-cutting topics: ecological transition; digital transformation; social and territorial cohesion; and gender equality. Through these themes, 10 lever policies are projected, comprising 30 components that articulate coherent investment and reform projects to modernise the country. Although most of them are horizontal in nature, for the economy as a whole, some are specifically aimed at boosting the modernisation of key sectors, such as trade, tourism, agri-food, health, the automotive industry and public administrations themselves
Language : Spanish
Type of resource : Website
A Spanish Government strategy to channel the Next Generation Funds. This strategy and the funds are distributed in the country through four cross-cutting topics: ecological transition; digital transformation; social and territorial cohesion; and gender equality. Through these themes, 10 lever policies are projected, comprising 30 components that articulate coherent investment and reform projects to modernise the country. Although most of them are horizontal in nature, for the economy as a whole, some are specifically aimed at boosting the modernisation of key sectors, such as trade, tourism, agri-food, health, the automotive industry and public administrations themselves
Language : Spanish
Type of resource : Website
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA)
(
2015
)
The main objectives of the programme are to:
Language : Spanish
Type of resource : Document
The main objectives of the programme are to:
- Establish a clear diagnosis of research, development and innovation in agri-food and forestry sectors, including identification of challenging areas where strategic measures are needed in order to contribute to the sectors’ competitiveness and sustainability.
- Contribute to the advancement and popularisation of innovation processes in these sectors through a user-friendly tool for dissemination and search for innovative solutions, with a clear language for those who are not yet familiar with the world of research and innovation.
Language : Spanish
Type of resource : Document
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA)
(
2019
)
The Digitalisation Strategy for the agri-food and forestry sectors and the rural environment is implemented through biennial Action Plans, which establish the specific actions to be carried out in order to achieve its objectives. The execution of the I Action Plan 2019-2020 has already been completed and the execution of the II Action Plan begins in 2021.
Language : Spanish
Type of resource : Document
The Digitalisation Strategy for the agri-food and forestry sectors and the rural environment is implemented through biennial Action Plans, which establish the specific actions to be carried out in order to achieve its objectives. The execution of the I Action Plan 2019-2020 has already been completed and the execution of the II Action Plan begins in 2021.
Language : Spanish
Type of resource : Document
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA)
(
2019
)
The Strategy defines the specific lines and measures necessary to promote the digital transformation of the agri-food and forestry sectors and the rural environment, as well as the necessary instruments for its implementation. Its general objective is to eliminate or reduce the technical, legislative, economic and training barriers that currently exist, thus contributing to the leadership of an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable agri-food sector, and to the active population of the rural environment, making it a more attractive, lively, dynamic and diversified place, generating wealth and quality employment, with special attention to young people and women.
Language : English
Type of resource : Document
The Strategy defines the specific lines and measures necessary to promote the digital transformation of the agri-food and forestry sectors and the rural environment, as well as the necessary instruments for its implementation. Its general objective is to eliminate or reduce the technical, legislative, economic and training barriers that currently exist, thus contributing to the leadership of an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable agri-food sector, and to the active population of the rural environment, making it a more attractive, lively, dynamic and diversified place, generating wealth and quality employment, with special attention to young people and women.
Language : English
Type of resource : Document
Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge
(
2021
)
The Strategy was created with the aim of converting a border area considered peripheral into a nerve centre of the Iberian Peninsula. It is a living and flexible document that seeks to address the specific needs of border territories. The Strategy’s purpose is to guarantee equal rights and opportunities on both sides of the border between Spain and Portugal, placing people at the centre of its actions, and to establish itself as a wealth-generating framework capable of improving their quality of life. The document is the result of a firm commitment of the governments of Portugal and Spain
Language : English
Type of resource : Document
The Strategy was created with the aim of converting a border area considered peripheral into a nerve centre of the Iberian Peninsula. It is a living and flexible document that seeks to address the specific needs of border territories. The Strategy’s purpose is to guarantee equal rights and opportunities on both sides of the border between Spain and Portugal, placing people at the centre of its actions, and to establish itself as a wealth-generating framework capable of improving their quality of life. The document is the result of a firm commitment of the governments of Portugal and Spain
Language : English
Type of resource : Document
Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge
(
2021
)
A document setting out 130 measures, structured along 10 main lines of action oriented towards a broad set of objectives that promote equal opportunities and territorial restructuring.
Language : Spanish
Type of resource : Document
A document setting out 130 measures, structured along 10 main lines of action oriented towards a broad set of objectives that promote equal opportunities and territorial restructuring.
Language : Spanish
Type of resource : Document
Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge
(
2021
)
A web page including information about 130 measures, the 10 main lines of action, along which these are structured, and documentation on expression of interest to identify key projects to tackle the Demographic Challenge in the fight against depopulation.
Language : Spanish
Type of resource : Article
A web page including information about 130 measures, the 10 main lines of action, along which these are structured, and documentation on expression of interest to identify key projects to tackle the Demographic Challenge in the fight against depopulation.
Language : Spanish
Type of resource : Article
Ministry of Territorial Policy and the Civil Service
(
05/10/2018
)
The Act establishes the regulatory basis for a direct granting of subsidies to local entities for the financing of employment, self-employment and collective entrepreneurship projects in the aim of addressing the demographic challenge in municipalities with a smaller population. It is carried out within the framework of the Operational Programme for Youth Employment of the European Social Fund.
Language : Spanish
The Act establishes the regulatory basis for a direct granting of subsidies to local entities for the financing of employment, self-employment and collective entrepreneurship projects in the aim of addressing the demographic challenge in municipalities with a smaller population. It is carried out within the framework of the Operational Programme for Youth Employment of the European Social Fund.
Language : Spanish
Ministry of Territorial Policy and the Civil Service
(
2019
)
A presentation of the National Strategy on the Demographic Challenge, summarising the General Guidelines and main contents of the Strategy.
Language : Spanish
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation of the National Strategy on the Demographic Challenge, summarising the General Guidelines and main contents of the Strategy.
Language : Spanish
Type of resource : Presentation
Ministry of Territorial Policy and the Civil Service
(
03/2019
)
The guidelines propose a strategy of a global and transversal nature, from a multidisciplinary perspective, that designs forward-looking responses to alleviate issues of ageing population, territorial depopulation and floating population.
Language : Spanish
Type of resource : Guidelines
The guidelines propose a strategy of a global and transversal nature, from a multidisciplinary perspective, that designs forward-looking responses to alleviate issues of ageing population, territorial depopulation and floating population.
Language : Spanish
Type of resource : Guidelines
