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Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs

European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development

This webpage covers the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development strictly as part of funding projects related to tourism.

Why is it relevant to tourism?

Many rural areas in the European Union suffer from structural problems such as a lack of attractive employment opportunities, skill shortages, under-investment in connectivity, infrastructure and essential services, as well as youth brain drain. It is fundamental to strengthen the socio-economic fabric in these areas, particularly through creating jobs and generational renewal.

Bringing jobs and growth to rural areas will promote social inclusion, and help develop  smart villages across the European countryside. New rural value chains such as renewable energy, the emerging bioeconomy, the circular economy, and various types of tourism activities can offer good growth and job creation for rural areas.