By putting young people at the center of a growing think tank on rural and agricultural issues, we aim to ensure that social sustainability—too often the forgotten pillar—is placed at the heart of generational renewal and rural transformation.
Europe through research, policy and action on the ground 
CORE We’re building a future where rural youth don’t have to choose between their roots and real opportunities. Our work focuses on three core priorities that guide everything we do:
Recognising the richness of rural identities means ensuring that all young people—regardless of background, gender or geography—have access to the support they need to thrive.
By identifying barriers, sharing what works, and connecting the right people, we help create the conditions for rural youth to access decent work and develop their skills.
Through strong links between data, dialogue and decision-makers, we ensure that youth rural voices are not only heard, but influence the systems that shape their lives.
Behind the figures lie real challenges for Europe’s rural areas: fewer opportunities, an ageing population and young people moving away.
Nearly 90% of rural areas in the EU experienced a natural decline in population between 2015 and 2020.
Only 6.5% of farm managers in the EU were under 35 years old in 2020 — down from 7.3% in 2005.
Social innovation is happening in rural areas, where young entrepreneurs have ideas but struggle to find the support needed to scale them up.
The EU’s rural population is projected to decrease by 3.2% per year between 2021 and 2051.
According to a 2023 Eurobarometer, 62% of people in Europe say recent crises have affected their mental health— and rural youth are no exception.
Employment in agriculture dropped from 6.4% of total EU employment in 2005 to just 4.2% in 2020.
By putting young people at the center of a growing think tank on rural and agricultural issues, we aim to ensure that social sustainability—too often the forgotten pillar—is placed at the heart of generational renewal and rural transformation.
If rural voices are not heard, the rural-urban gap will only grow larger.
The future of rural areas lies in the hands of the young people who live there. Young people should not have to leave their village and rural areas to find their future.
It’s very rewarding to be part of this unique consortium, and work towards finding solutions for the rural problems of today.
The future of rural Europe lies in the hands of its young people—when we invest in them, we invest in thriving communities.
The EU cannot be a world leader in growth and social inclusion without its rural areas. And rural areas cannot thrive and grow without their young people.
A livable future in rural areas starts with us young people – we bring not only ideas and energy, but also the willingness to take responsibility and work together on sustainable solutions for rural regions.