EU CAP Network

The 2026 edition focuses on the theme of ‘Gender equality’, highlighting projects that empower women to actively shape the future of farming and rural areas. These projects support women’s leadership, foster entrepreneurship, promote equal opportunities, and contribute to more inclusive rural communities. This year’s competition will continue to showcase the impact of CAP-funded projects in strengthening food security, enhancing environmental resilience, and supporting the socio-economic fabric of rural areas.

European Commission published a study on the contributions of the European Network for Rural Development (ENRD) and the National Rural Networks (NRN) to the implementation of the EU’s rural development policy. These two networks led to stakeholders being more involved in the day-to-day implementation of rural development projects in the period 2014-22. This resulted, among other things, in better implementation more suited to local needs.