On the occasion of the European Conference "Europe's rural areas in action: facing the challenges of tomorrow" held in Limassol, Cyprus in October 2008, the ELARD members:

Considering that in spite of their advances in development, many rural areas in Europe still endure a relative socio-economic disadvantage, something which is particularly remarked in the rural areas of the new EU Member States.

Considering that, contrary to what was agreed at the 1st European Conference for Rural Development that took place in Cork, Ireland in November 1996, and singularly after the 2nd European Conference for Rural Development held in Salzburg, Austria in November 2003, very little progress has been made in the development of a real rural policy for Europe. 

Considering that in the enlarged European Union the Common Agricultural Policy, upon which the existing rural policy depends, is currently undergoing a process of reform which is still unconcluded, and which would not be able to guarantee the future of rural areas, which are progressively less dependent on agricultural activities.

Considering that the European rural areas are facing a new period of change, particularly linked to their revitalization as a preferred residential location, and with new economic activities, and especially, with the preservation of natural resources deeply affected by climate change.

We propose to the 3rd European Conference on Rural Development:

• A profound review of current Rural European Policy, so that it becomes a genuine rural policy which is more multi-sectorial, based on territorial implementation, reinforcing the use of LEADER approach and with the objective of achieving economic and social cohesion and the preservation of the environment in the rural areas of the EU.

• The adoption of a new differentiated Rural European Policy, within the EU's Cohesion Policy, linked to the rest of Common European Policies, so that it promotes an integrated, endogenous and sustainable development in rural areas and encourages the cooperation among them as well across Europe.

• The substantial increase of European budget funds devoted to rural development, reinstating specific programmes for rural areas within ERDF and ESF, and increasing funds from EARDF, with the establishments of a new specific financial instrument that assures the implementation of a new European rural policy.

Signed, in Cyprus on 16th - 17th October 2008

1. Comhar LEADER na hEireann - Ireland

2. Greek LEADER+ Network - Greece

3. LEADER FRANCE - France

4. MINHA TERRA - Federação Portuguesa de Associações de Desenvolvimento Local - Portugal

5. RED ESPAÑOLA DE DESARROLLO RURAL- REDR  - Spain

6. National "Latvian Rural Forum" -Latvia

7. Národní síť Místních Akčních Skupin České republiky, o.s. - Czech Republic

8. Hungarian LEADER Alliance - Hungary

9. SYTY- Finland

10. Cairngorms LEADER+ - Scotland

11. Newry and Mourne LEADER Rural centre- Northern Ireland

12. Wallonia Rural Fundation - Belgium