Investments to diversify the rural economy and improve infrastructure in rural areas

28.6.2022

Question for written answer  E-002318/2022
to the Commission
Rule 138
Gianantonio Da Re (ID)

In 2018 rural areas accounted for 83 % of the EU’s territory and were home to 31 % of the population. Some rural areas suffer from population loss, unemployment, very low quality basic services and a higher than usual risk of poverty or social exclusion. Since 2007 the EU has spent approximately EUR 10 billion on diversifying the rural economy and approximately EUR 15 billion on improving infrastructure in rural areas, drawing in both cases on rural development programmes. However, according to a special report published on 20 June 2022 by the European Court of Auditors, the success of these measures has varied greatly from one Member State to another and from one sector to another. The Court considers that, ‘weak economic performance and illegitimate private use affect the durability of some diversification projects’.

In light of this:

• 1.What steps will the Commission take to promote long-lasting benefits in projects concerning the rural economy?
• 2.Will it promote the use of selection procedures to limit the risk of non-viable projects being chosen?