Between 20 and 29 April 2026, RURAL RiSE organised three online training sessions connected to the project territories in Italy, Spain and Serbia. The sessions aimed to strengthen the capacities of local authorities and social economy actors, promote knowledge exchange and support the development of sustainable and inclusive rural communities.
The training programme combined presentations, practical examples, discussions and question-and-answer sessions. It focused on the role of the social economy in rural areas, cooperation with local authorities, project implementation and maintenance, and the development of Local Action Plans.
Three sessions, three territorial perspectives
The first session took place on 20 April and was linked to Miglionico, Italy. It introduced the European and Italian social economy frameworks and explored the benefits of social economy initiatives in rural areas. Participants also learned about the purpose, methodology and key steps of Local Action Plans, with examples from the Torino Local Action Plan and the SEA4NEB project.
On 27 April, the Spanish session connected the social economy framework with the realities of rural territories in Spain. The programme addressed partnerships between social economy organisations and local authorities, as well as the implementation and long-term maintenance of local projects. The PARI project was presented as a practical case study, highlighting lessons learned and transferable approaches.
The third session took place on 29 April and focused on the Serbian context, with particular attention to Niš and the Municipality of Palilula. It addressed the contribution of the social economy to rural development, cooperation with local authorities and the practical development of Local Action Plans. The SEA4NEB case study was also used to discuss good practices and methodological lessons.
From online learning to local action
The online trainings created a shared learning space for partners and local stakeholders from different countries. By combining European perspectives with national and territorial experiences, the sessions encouraged participants to identify practical tools and approaches that can be adapted to their own communities.
The activities also prepared the next phase of face-to-face training in each country, supporting the continued development of local capacities, cooperation and action plans for sustainable rural development.
Through these activities, RURAL RiSE continues to promote reskilling, social innovation and stronger rural ecosystems based on cooperation, inclusion and the social economy.
RURAL RiSE – Rural Reskilling and upskilling for Social Enterprises
#RuralRise
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Innovation Council and SME Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
