Untapped potential of rural areas and what needs to be done to better support them.  

Flourishing, resilient and vibrant rural regions and communities are key for the future of Europe. This is a core objective for the EU’s policies focusing on rural areas, emphasising the preservation of their unique natural landscapes and biodiversity, while advancing sustainable farming and non-agricultural activities.

This event aims at merging two different perspectives on the untapped potential of rural areas and what needs to be done to better support them. 

We are delighted to host Charlie Ottley, a famous British Journalist, TV producer, presenter and filmmaker naturalised Romanian that explores Romania’s rich and diverse natural landscapes, cultural heritage, natural beauty and the imperative of conservation efforts, as seen in TV series like “Wild Carpathia”, “Flavours of Romania”, and “Wild Danube”, alongside European policymakers in the area of rural development, committed to fostering resilient and dynamic rural communities through policy and dedicated support instruments.

Programme

• 17:00 - 17:10,  Intro 

  • Dacian Cioloş MEP, Renew Europe 

  • Charlie Ottley, Journalist, TV producer, presenter and filmmaker 

• 17:10 - 18:40, Film projection

  • One episode of the series “Flavours of Romania”  about the mythical Transylvania. 

• 18:40 - 19:15, Discussion: The role of cultural activities and local tourism in ensuring vibrant and flourishing rural areas. 

  • Charlie Ottley, Journalist, TV presenter and filmmaker 

  • Wolfgang Burtscher, Director General of DG Agriculture & Rural Development (tbc)

  • Norbert Lins, Chair of Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development, EPP, Germany 

  • Valerie Hayer, MEP, Renew Europe President (tbc)

  • Dacian Cioloș, MEP Renew Europe

  • Alin Mituța, MEP Renew Europe 

  • Hilde Vautmans, MEP Renew Europe (tbc)

• 19:30 - 20:00, Reception