On 3 June 2025, the University of Ljubljana hosted the 6th Interregional Learning Event (ILE6) within the Digital Rural project. The online session brought together stakeholders from across Europe to explore practical tools and inspiring examples supporting the sustainable and digital transformation of rural areas.
The event featured two distinguished speakers:
Eleftherios (Terry) Stavropoulos, Policy Officer at the European Commission, presented the EU Rural Toolkit — a valuable resource that helps rural communities understand and combine EU funds for cross-sectoral development projects. “Even small rural areas can combine different EU funds to support cross-sectoral projects,” he emphasized, encouraging local actors to take bold steps in shaping their development strategies.
Clive Peckham, European Projects Manager at Nièvre Numérique (France), shared the story of Lormes, one of the Smart Rural 27 lighthouse communities. With over three decades of experience in community-led innovation, Clive stressed the urgency of transformation: “If they don’t innovate, if they don’t change, rural areas simply die. And you can’t reinvent them if there are no people left. That’s why we need people — to involve them in projects that bring real value.”
The event was moderated by Dr. Emilija Stojmenova Duh from the University of Ljubljana, who ensured a dynamic and engaging discussion while framing the contributions within a broader vision of inclusive and innovative rural development.
This event was part of the Interregional Learning Event series within the Interreg Europe project Digital Rural, which promotes peer learning and exchange of good practices among European regions and stakeholders working on smart and inclusive rural development.
