RuralYouthFuture

The COVID-19 crisis has unleashed a wave of challenges, profoundly impacting the lives of young individuals. Foremost among these obstacles is the staggering surge in unemployment rates, which has disproportionately affected the younger generation. Furthermore, the pandemic has given rise to new forms of digitally-driven work, creating an increasing demand for a fresh skill set.

In the backdrop of depopulation and an aging population, rural areas face a formidable battle. Young people in these regions find themselves disadvantaged, lacking vocational training, digital skills, and viable employment prospects.

RuralYouthFuture: Paving the Way for Sustainable Rural Development

RuralYouthFuture is a European initiative dedicated to enhancing the efficacy of youth employment policies for sustainable rural development. This ambitious endeavor unites municipal, regional, and national entities in a common goal: addressing the unique needs of young individuals in rural territories. By reducing inequalities with their urban peers and combating aging and depopulation, RuralYouthFuture seeks to forge a brighter future.

Within this collective partnership, public authorities, public bodies, and non-profit organisations from seven countries (Spain, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Latvia, Portugal, Estonia, and Belgium) unite to discover viable and sustainable solutions, empowering young individuals and curbing the youth unemployment rate. The partnership places particular emphasis on harnessing digital skills and capitalising on emerging work models borne out of the pandemic. This vital element serves as a catalyst for rural development, while simultaneously attracting and retaining a talented and youthful workforce.

The planned activities for knowledge and experience sharing will breathe new life into policy teams focused on youth employment initiatives. Our mission is to provide unwavering support to young individuals residing in rural areas, ensuring they have access to abundant job opportunities and improved working conditions. By addressing inequalities and preventing brain drain, RuralYouthFuture aims to empower young people to flourish in their own territories.