On October 9th, the INSPIRE project was officially launched in Brussels, marking the start of a significant European initiative focused on promoting the inclusion, wellbeing, and growth of rural areas. Funded by the European Commission's Horizon Europe programme, the project brings together 18 partners from countries including Ireland, Turkey, Poland, Greece, France, and Romania, with a clear mission: to empower vulnerable groups in rural communities through social entrepreneurship and improved access to social services.
Running from October 2024 to September 2027, INSPIRE aims to enhance the integration of vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, migrants, and agricultural workers, by establishing Smart Village labs. These labs will act as innovation hubs, developing governance frameworks, social inclusion strategies, and sustainable solutions tailored to different rural environments, including coastal, mountainous, and peri-urban areas.
The project’s pilot regions highlight the diverse challenges facing rural Europe:
- In Ireland, the Eastern and Midlands Regions will focus on unemployment and healthcare access for vulnerable groups.
- Poland’s Dębowa Kłoda will address the challenges of agricultural workers, especially women and Ukrainian refugees.
- In France, the Bourgogne Franche Comté region will combat population decline and service shortages.
- Greece’s Konitsa municipality and Kythera Island are tackling aging populations, youth out-migration, and professional service gaps.
- Romania’s Maramures and Suceava regions face issues related to aging populations and infrastructure underinvestment.
The INSPIRE Replication Toolkit, a key output of the project, will provide policymakers with a guide to replicate the project’s methodology, allowing other rural regions to adopt the Smart Village model.
Through community-driven solutions, INSPIRE aims to leave a lasting legacy by fostering inclusive development, strengthening social empowerment, and enhancing the sustainability of rural Europe.
For more information, stay connected with the progress of the INSPIRE project as it unfolds!
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