About this Event
A Competitive Europe: Rural Enterprise, Local Services and Democracy cannot
Join us in person for an engaging event to look at how the EU can boost productivity, support innovation and strengthen Europe’s economic independence while protecting democracy, strengthening social cohesion and ensuring growth does not increase inequality between regions or communities.
With competitiveness one of the key priorities of the EU Agenda, the event will emphasise the importance of small rural businesses, social enterprises, and community and voluntary organisations being part of Europe’s growth plans, not left on the margins. These organisations are central to resilient local economies and democratic participation.
Community groups often deliver local services, support employment, run training programmes and develop social enterprises. They also provide a space for people to participate, have their voices heard and engage with wider European society. Their experience is essential in shaping growth policies and job creation, but also in building inclusive communities, strengthening trust and protecting democracy at local, national and EU level.
Draft Agenda
9.30am – 10.00am
Registration, Tea & Coffee
10.00am – 10.10am
Welcome and Opening Remarks : Briain Smyth, CEO, Irish Rural Link
10.10am – 10.30am
Keynote Speaker: Louise Weir, University of Galway
10.30am – 11.15am
Panel Discussion 1 – European Perspective: How will Rural Communities be included in the Competitiveness Agenda? (Hybrid)
Moderator: Matt O’Neill, IIEA
Serafin Pazos-Vidal - AEIDL
Vanessa Halhead (TBC) – ERCA
Karen Keaveney – UCD
David Geary – European Movement Ireland
11.15am – 11.30am
Coffee Break
11.30am – 12.15pm
Panel Discussion 2: National and Local Perspective – Bottom-up Approach to Competitiveness
Fintan O’Brien – DRCDG
Fiona McCafferty-Jones – Truagh Spirit (Social Enterprise)
Rural Enterprise (TBC)
Liam Kildea - Uí Máine Kingdom – Community and Voluntary Group
12.15pm-1pm
Roundtable Discussion
1pm-1.20pm
Feedback from Roundtable
1.20pm – 1.30pm
Closing Remarks: Briain Smyth
1.30pm
Networking Lunch
Event venue & nearby stays
Athlone Springs Hotel, Monksland, Athlone, Ireland
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.