Under the theme 'rural community solutions to global challenges', for the first time ever, Scotland welcomed over 400 European delegates to Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, on the 21st-23rd October 2025. SRA was secretariat for the event, working in close partnership with the ERP Steering Group, the Scottish Government, Aberdeenshire Council and a host of European, national and local delivery partners.
Scotland’s vision for hosting the ERP was to consolidate rural and island Scotland’s reputation on the European stage, opening doors for shared learning, and for new cross border community alliances, academic collaborations, policy synergy and business links.
With 29 workshops, panels, and plenaries, and 11 study trips (taking place across Aberdeenshire, Moray, The Cairngorms National Park and Angus) during the four days, delegates explored what it takes to build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Rural Europe - one that values community-led innovation, youth participation, and local empowerment. There was a dedicated European Rural Youth Parliament (ERYP), where youth delegates gathered to strengthen relationships with one another and with decision-makers.
The event brought together rural activists, youth, policymakers, and entrepreneurs - from 40 countries. United by a shared belief, they came together with a powerful message:
“We do not ask for help — we ask for support in partnership.”
This phrase comes from the Declaration of Inverurie, now live here: https://europeanruralparliament.com/the-6th-erp-gathering/declaration-of-inverurie/ . It's a shared commitment to ensure rural voices continue to shape Europe’s future.
We'd like to extend a huge 'thank you' to:
The ERP workforce, volunteers & venue staff
The ERP steering group - ERCA, ELARD, PREPARE & Rural Youth Europe
Partners, host communities & study trip curators
Creatives & performers
The Scottish Government, Aberdeenshire Council & sponsors
…And everyone who brought passion, humour, kilts, and determination!
This isn’t the end, it’s the continuation of a movement. Let’s keep the dialogue alive and build a Europe where rural and urban thrive together.
