Highlights from the 1st Remote Workers Policy Hub Online Conference

On 24 November 2025, the Danube4Rural.com partnership successfully hosted the 1st Remote Workers Policy Hub (RWPH) Online Conference, bringing together more than 50 participants from across the Danube Region. The event marked a significant step in strengthening transnational cooperation and opening a new phase of coordinated work on policies that support remote work in rural areas.

The conference served as the first major gathering of the newly established Remote Workers Policy Hub — a platform that will, throughout the project period, connect experts, practitioners, policymakers, and regional stakeholders in developing practical, innovative, and evidence-based policy solutions.

🌐 Shared Expertise Across Three Key Policy Areas

The programme included expert presentations that explored the core thematic areas of the Hub:

• Quality of Life, presented by Flavia Enengl and Lisa Danzel (L&R Social Research), focusing on the living and working conditions that enable rural communities to attract and retain remote workers.

• Financial Incentives, presented by Vladimir Rajcic, examining different forms of support that can encourage relocation, entrepreneurship, and new economic activity in rural regions.

• Regulatory Framework, presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Valentina Franca (University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Public Administration), addressing the legal and administrative aspects that shape the environment for remote work.

In addition, Natasha Zarankova (Business Incubator – Gotse Delchev), co-leading the activity together with the Municipality of Moravske Toplice, provided an overview of the project structure and upcoming RWPH activities, outlining how the Hub will continue its work in the coming months.

💬 Panel Discussion: Strengthening Rural Attractiveness for Remote Workers

A dynamic panel discussion followed, featuring insights from
Bozhura Fidanska, PhD,
Borut Zrim,
Dr. Dr. Kata Konstantin, LL.M.,
Bozenka Spahic, and
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Valentina Franca.

The debate highlighted diverse national perspectives and practical experiences, underscoring the complexity of making rural areas more competitive while addressing demographic change, economic restructuring, and evolving work patterns.

Participants emphasized the importance of:

• improving service accessibility and quality of life,

• fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems in rural municipalities,

• simplifying administrative and legal procedures,

• and strengthening regional and cross-border cooperation.

🔎 A Strong Foundation for the Work Ahead

The insights shared during the conference will significantly shape the direction of the Remote Workers Policy Hub. Members will continue to collaborate on refining the presented ideas, developing policy suggestions, and testing selected approaches across partner regions. The conference thus represents both a starting point and a strategic springboard for the next stages of the Danube4Rural.com project.

🎥 Watch the Highlight Video

Below you can view a short highlight video featuring selected moments, key messages, and reflections from the conference — offering a glimpse into the discussions and thematic directions that will guide the Hub’s work moving forward.