Annual Congress

The Annual Congress is a European place to meet, exchange and share experience with other rural landowners and entrepreneurs from Western, Central and Eastern Europe.

During this Congress, ELO presents the policy positions promoted to European Union decision makers. Besides, distinguished speakers give an insight to new developments for the rural world.

Every year the Congress is hosted by a different country.

National Branches’ activities

Every year, Friends of the Countryside organises specific national activities in European countries and invites its members in the field of promoting actions, publications and increase the European family business network.

Seminars

Every year, Friends of the Countryside invites its members to the seminar organised by the BNP Paribas. The objective is to develop concepts and perspectives for rural family business management and to provide financial tools and investment processes as rural development solutions.

The seminar takes place in the Headquarter of BNP Paribas (France, Luxembourg, Switzerland or United Kingdom).

European Country Fair

ELO has launched a media campaign in Belgium under the central theme “From Belgium to Europe with Natura 2000” in order to alert and inform the public and professionals of European environmental policies. The success of these policies depends on th engagement of the public and rural professionals.

European Country Fair 2006 groups in one location all key rural businesses and regional, national and European decision-makers. In addition to workshops, seminars and trade presentations, the event will feature the presentation of the Belleuropa (http://www.belleuropa.info) - Award, made each year for active and novel enterprise for the benefit of the environment.