First meeting of the Intergroup on Rural, Mountains and Remote Areas in Strasbourg.

The first official meeting of the Intergroup on Rural Mountains and Remote Areas (RMRA) took place last week, on 15^th January, in Strasbourg during the plenary session of the European Parliament.

The creation of this Intergroup is the result of the advocacy efforts of Euromontana, together with the 2 other European networks: the RED (Rurality-Environment-Development) and FREE (Future of Rural Energy in Europe).

This new RMRA Intergroup, which is chaired by the MEP Mrs Marcedes Bresso, aims to:

•  further improve the social, economic and technological inclusion of the rural, mountainous and remote areas and their inhabitants through the implementation of the Europe 2020 Strategy.

•  reduce the gap and improve positive connections between urban and rural areas.

•  improve the well-being of citizens in the rural, mountainous and remote areas.

•  raise awareness of all the Committees of the European Parliament on their contributions to the living conditions in rural, mountainous and remote areas.

During the meeting the MEPs who have supported the Intergroup, confirmed their commitment and agreed to the strategic note presented by the Intergroup Chairman, Mrs Mercedes Bresso.

6 vice-chairmen from the 3 political groups, S&D, EPP and ALDE were nominated, they are Mr Herbert Dorfmann, Mr Eric Andrieu and Mr Franc Bogovič.

The RMRA Intergroup will be officially launched on 12^th February in Strasbourg.