European Rural Parliament 2025 Concludes with Historic Inverurie Declaration Calling for Rural Renaissance

The 2025 European Rural Parliament (ERP), held in Inverurie, Scotland, concluded with a powerful and visionary statement known as the Declaration of Inverurie, setting a bold agenda for rural communities across Europe.

The declaration, endorsed by over 300 delegates from 40 countries, calls for a “rural renaissance” rooted in sustainability, equity, and community empowerment.

Hosted in the heart of Aberdeenshire from October 8–10, the ERP brought together grassroots activists, policymakers, researchers, and rural leaders to share experiences and shape the future of rural Europe. The event was co-organised by the European Rural Community Alliance (ERCA), PREPARE Network, and ELARD, in partnership with Scottish Rural Action and local stakeholders.

The Declaration of Inverurie is a rallying cry for transformative change. It emphasizes that rural areas are not peripheral or secondary, but central to Europe’s future. The declaration outlines ten key demands, including:

• Recognition of rural communities as equal partners in shaping national and European policy.
• Investment in rural infrastructure, including digital connectivity, transport, and energy.
• Support for youth engagement, entrepreneurship, and education to counter depopulation.
• Protection of biodiversity and climate resilience, with rural areas leading the green transition.
• Strengthening local democracy and community-led development.

The declaration asserts:

“We, the people of rural Europe, demand a new contract between rural and urban, between citizens and institutions, between nature and society.”

Delegates shared stories of innovation and resilience—from community-owned renewable energy projects in Finland to youth-led cooperatives in Croatia. Workshops and plenaries focused on themes such as climate justice, inclusive governance, and rural-urban solidarity.

Maria Kallio, a delegate from Finland said.

“We are not asking for charity,” “We are offering solutions—grounded in place, people, and purpose.”

Scottish Rural Action’s Chair, Emma Cooper, highlighted the significance of hosting the ERP in Scotland:

“Inverurie has shown that rural communities are vibrant, visionary, and ready to lead. The declaration is a testament to that spirit.”

The ERP also served as a platform to engage with European institutions. Representatives from the European Commission and European Parliament participated in dialogues on the future of the EU’s rural agenda, including the Long-Term Vision for Rural Areas and the Rural Pact. In addition, representatives from the Scottish Government, including Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon, contributed to discussions, reaffirming Scotland’s commitment to rural innovation, community empowerment, and inclusive policymaking.

The declaration will be submitted to EU bodies, national governments, and civil society networks, with the aim of influencing upcoming policy frameworks and funding programs.

Beyond policy, the ERP celebrated rural culture through music, food, and storytelling. Delegates enjoyed local produce, traditional ceilidhs, and exhibitions showcasing rural crafts and heritage.

A moment of reflection was held for rural communities affected by conflict and climate disasters, reinforcing the ERP’s commitment to peace, justice, and solidarity.

The ERP is held every two years, with the next gathering planned for 2027. In the meantime, the Declaration of Inverurie will serve as a guiding document for advocacy, collaboration, and action.

As the declaration concludes: “Let us walk together—rural and urban, young and old, north and south—towards a Europe that is whole, just, and alive.”