On 1-2 April 2025, the MTAV project partners gathered in the picturesque town of Buzet in Croatia, for a key meeting marking the transition into the final phase of the project. As we move into this crucial stage, our focus sharpens on designing and refining practical solutions for smart village development.
A major highlight of the meeting was a collaborative workshop led by the Institute for Development and International Relations (IRMO). Partners came together to share valuable experiences and lessons learned from the implementation of pilot initiatives across participating regions. These discussions are feeding directly into the creation of three essential tools for supporting smart village transitions:
🔹 Smart Village Business Support Tool
🔹 Smart Tourism Village Tool
🔹 Agri-Food Smart Village Tool
These tools are set to play a pivotal role in empowering rural communities with tailored strategies and resources to embrace smart, sustainable growth.
In addition to the productive sessions, participants had the opportunity to discover Buzet’s cultural and culinary heritage. Highlights included a visit to Karlić Tartufi, a renowned family-run truffle business, and Aura Distillery, whose artisanal products showcase the spirit and identity of the region.