A consortium of European researchers and organizations has proposed an ambitious new project to revitalize rural areas across the continent. The ReTELL (Rethinking the Narrative of European Rural Lives) project seeks to provide scientific evidence, tools, and policy frameworks to contribute to more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient rural communities in Europe.
Project Leadership and Consortium
The ReTELL consortium brings together 20 partners from 10 European countries. The project aims to investigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on European rural areas and move beyond perceptions to evidence-based data that can help “retell” the rural narrative.
Project Rationale
Rural regions represent over 80% of EU territory and are home to about 30% of the population, yet they face numerous challenges, from depopulation to poor connectivity. The pandemic has exposed the urban-rural divide but also created new opportunities. ReTELL wants to provide policymakers with a solid understanding of rural dynamics to implement targeted interventions.
Key Directions and Methodology
- Developing a multi-disciplinary framework to analyze rural settings before and after COVID-19
- Engaging stakeholder groups to jointly examine rural challenges and co-design innovative solutions
- Tailoring policy responses to address rural needs in alignment with EU rural development goals
A key feature of ReTELL is the establishment of “living labs” in 8 countries (Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, France, Poland, Romania, and Finland) to serve as focal points for project activities. These will provide real-world links to various actors and a deeper understanding of the dynamics faced by diverse rural areas.
Research Approach
The researchers will employ quantitative and qualitative methods, including surveys, interviews, economic modelling, and participatory approaches. They aim to map perceptions of rural life, distinguish between perception and fact, and identify drivers of rural attractiveness.
Reshaping Rural Narratives
The project wants to reshape the narrative around rural areas by promoting evidence-based facts on rural development. This can help highlight the opportunities offered by rural life in Europe.
Policy Implications and Future Impact
Ultimately, ReTELL seeks to provide policymakers with tools and innovations to support rural resilience and sustainable development. The project will formulate policy recommendations directly from evidence from its research and living labs.
If approved for EU Horizon funding, the ReTELL project will begin in early 2025. Its findings could significantly influence European rural development policies and narratives in the coming years.
Human-Environmental Systems Research Centre 