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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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
Piotr Ostaszewski
(
05/2019
–
06/2021
)
The irrigation system involves the collection of rainwater and runoff water from the land, which is filtered and stored in storage tanks. Solar and wind power is harnessed and stored in order to power the filtration and pumping system, with the water distributed according to need to agricultural fields and greenhouses in the village.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
The irrigation system involves the collection of rainwater and runoff water from the land, which is filtered and stored in storage tanks. Solar and wind power is harnessed and stored in order to power the filtration and pumping system, with the water distributed according to need to agricultural fields and greenhouses in the village.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
Renzo Macelloni
(
1989
–
Ongoing
)
The solution involves regeneration of a local landfill site and its surrounding roads in order to avoid negative environmental effects, make use of the waste as a resource for harnessing energy and better integrate the site into the life of the village. Producing energy from the landfill generates financial resources, which can be used for further community initiatives. Once the site has been decontaminated and made more accessible, its potential as a green open space can be harnessed as a space for leisure and cultural activities, such as the creation of a park, installation of artworks or construction of an auditorium – offering new opportunities for local people and for attracting visitors.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
The solution involves regeneration of a local landfill site and its surrounding roads in order to avoid negative environmental effects, make use of the waste as a resource for harnessing energy and better integrate the site into the life of the village. Producing energy from the landfill generates financial resources, which can be used for further community initiatives. Once the site has been decontaminated and made more accessible, its potential as a green open space can be harnessed as a space for leisure and cultural activities, such as the creation of a park, installation of artworks or construction of an auditorium – offering new opportunities for local people and for attracting visitors.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
Bart Wynants
(
12/2015
–
Ongoing
)
The solution involves the acquisition of good quality used children’s bikes, which are then lent out to local families for their children aged 12 years or younger. Membership of the Children’s Bike Library, costs € 20 a year, which enables a parent to take a bike for their child. When the child outgrows the bike, they can bring it back and exchange it for a bigger one. The library is only open for 2 hours every month, which is when parents come to choose and/or return a bike The Children’s Bike Library is run by local volunteers. Each team is made up of people of different talents and interests. They are responsible for administration, cycle repairs, acquisition of used children’s bikes, social contacts in surrounding areas, taking care during opening hours etc.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
The solution involves the acquisition of good quality used children’s bikes, which are then lent out to local families for their children aged 12 years or younger. Membership of the Children’s Bike Library, costs € 20 a year, which enables a parent to take a bike for their child. When the child outgrows the bike, they can bring it back and exchange it for a bigger one. The library is only open for 2 hours every month, which is when parents come to choose and/or return a bike The Children’s Bike Library is run by local volunteers. Each team is made up of people of different talents and interests. They are responsible for administration, cycle repairs, acquisition of used children’s bikes, social contacts in surrounding areas, taking care during opening hours etc.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
Kirsi Oesch
(
12/2019
–
Ongoing
)
The solution is a resident and volunteer-led process of identifying and then deconstructing desolate and abandoned houses in the local area in order to provide traditional local materials for the construction of new, modern houses in appropriate village locations. The solution includes the engagement of an architect to design houses making use of the traditional materials in harmony with the local area. Whilst the deconstruction and transporting of materials is organised centrally with local volunteers, the eventual construction costs are covered by new buyers.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
The solution is a resident and volunteer-led process of identifying and then deconstructing desolate and abandoned houses in the local area in order to provide traditional local materials for the construction of new, modern houses in appropriate village locations. The solution includes the engagement of an architect to design houses making use of the traditional materials in harmony with the local area. Whilst the deconstruction and transporting of materials is organised centrally with local volunteers, the eventual construction costs are covered by new buyers.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
Municipality of Mukařov
(
12/2020
)
The Summary Highlights of the Smart Village Strategy of Mukařov 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 Mukařov 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
Grazia Giovannetti
(
18/07/2011
–
18/07/2014
)
The solution involves the purchase and installation of solar panels and inverters on a network of private roofs and terraces through a community-driven process. Homeowners are thus able to harness solar energy, use a part of that energy in their own home and pool the surplus energy in order to sell it on the local market on behalf of the community. Through community organisation, the village is able to bulk purchase the necessary equipment, arrange a bank loan to cover initial investment costs and use the profits from the sale of the surplus energy for community projects.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
The solution involves the purchase and installation of solar panels and inverters on a network of private roofs and terraces through a community-driven process. Homeowners are thus able to harness solar energy, use a part of that energy in their own home and pool the surplus energy in order to sell it on the local market on behalf of the community. Through community organisation, the village is able to bulk purchase the necessary equipment, arrange a bank loan to cover initial investment costs and use the profits from the sale of the surplus energy for community projects.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
Heini Niklas-Salminen
(
03/02/2021
)
During the 3rd Smart Rural Communities Café hosted by Raudanmaa (Finland) on 3 February 2021, Heini Niklas-Salminen tells about Raudanmaa’s Smart Village Strategy, how they are engaging the community in various local activities and how they are transforming their old school building into a new smart community hall, including a local educational/ therapeutic farm concept.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
During the 3rd Smart Rural Communities Café hosted by Raudanmaa (Finland) on 3 February 2021, Heini Niklas-Salminen tells about Raudanmaa’s Smart Village Strategy, how they are engaging the community in various local activities and how they are transforming their old school building into a new smart community hall, including a local educational/ therapeutic farm concept.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Thibaud Lalanne
-
Municipality of Mouans-Sartoux
(
08/01/2020
)
Thibaud Lalanne from Mouans-Sartoux tells about the way they built up 100% organic school canteens and municipal farm, as well as how the village has managed to design a resilient and ecosystemic food project based on a diversity of policies.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Thibaud Lalanne from Mouans-Sartoux tells about the way they built up 100% organic school canteens and municipal farm, as well as how the village has managed to design a resilient and ecosystemic food project based on a diversity of policies.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Peter Plant
-
Torup Ting
(
19/11/2020
)
During the 1st Café, hosted by Torup (Denmark), Peter Plant was telling about their local democracy, voluntary work, community fund, how they engage community members through ‘Torup Ting’ and about their smart plans for the future
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
During the 1st Café, hosted by Torup (Denmark), Peter Plant was telling about their local democracy, voluntary work, community fund, how they engage community members through ‘Torup Ting’ and about their smart plans for the future
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Municipality of Penela
(
30/03/2021
)
During the 4th Smart Rural Communities’ Café, hosted by Penela (Portugal), Luís Matias was talking about how IoT technologies in goat-farming have contributed to leveraging territorial marketing and development as well as about their plans on how to develop the right methods and facilities for a healthy ageing of elderly people in one of their small villages.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
During the 4th Smart Rural Communities’ Café, hosted by Penela (Portugal), Luís Matias was talking about how IoT technologies in goat-farming have contributed to leveraging territorial marketing and development as well as about their plans on how to develop the right methods and facilities for a healthy ageing of elderly people in one of their small villages.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
(
12/2020
)
The Smart Village Strategy of Kythera 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 Smart Village Strategy of Kythera 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
(
12/2020
)
The Summary Highlights of the Smart Village Strategy of Kythera 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 Kythera 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
Municipality of Mouans-Sartoux
(
06/2020
)
The Smart Village Strategy of Mouans-Sartoux 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 Smart Village Strategy of Mouans-Sartoux 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
Wiet van Meel
-
Tussenheid Hilvarenbeek
(
24/02/2021
)
A presentation provided at the 2nd Smart Village Academy of the Smart Rural 21 project during the working group session about the smart strategic approach of Hilvarenbeek (the Netherlands). The municipality has some 15.500 inhabitants (6 parishes) in the south-eastern part of the province of Brabant near the city of Tilburg, on the Belgian border. It has a focus on agriculture, tourism, small industry surrounded by pastures and nature.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation provided at the 2nd Smart Village Academy of the Smart Rural 21 project during the working group session about the smart strategic approach of Hilvarenbeek (the Netherlands). The municipality has some 15.500 inhabitants (6 parishes) in the south-eastern part of the province of Brabant near the city of Tilburg, on the Belgian border. It has a focus on agriculture, tourism, small industry surrounded by pastures and nature.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Germany
Financing models: Financing models in agriculture, the food industry and beyond – the German model
Simone Sterly
-
Institut für Ländliche Strukturforschung
(
24/02/2021
)
Short overview of civic (alternative) financing models, success factors, examples of citizen corporation, from the food sector, as well as energy cooperatives, basic services centres. A presentation provided at the 2nd Smart Village Academy of the Smart Rural 21 project during the working group session
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
