The rural movements that have developed in Europe over the last 30 years represent an organised approach to providing a network and voice for rural areas, their people and the many organisations working for rural development. Faced with many threats of rural decline, centralising policy, globalisation of markets and European integration, the rural people of 18 European nations have organised themselves to raise the challenge of a new rural Europe. They work at village, regional, national and international levels to make sure that the voice of the rural people is heard at every level of decision-making. They also work together to build the capacity, confidence and achievements of the local actors in creating a better future for Europe's many tens of thousands of rural communities. Because of their high level of organisation, networking and direct relationship with the rural communities, the rural movements represent a very significant new voice on the European stage, and are likely to become key players in the European Union.