Across Europe, rural areas are losing their youth. Whether it’s a lack of decent jobs, outdated training or a perception that farming is a dead end, the message is clear: the countryside is no longer a place where young people feel they can build a future.
Despite facing similar challenges, rural and agricultural youth organisations rarely work together. Resources are scarce, networks are divided and rural voices struggle to reach decision-makers. While some young people have the will to stay and be agents of change, existing systems often hold them back.
CORE was born out of a need to unite voices, inspire cross-sectoral collaboration and rethink what’s possible for rural youth in Europe. By connecting organisations, research and real-life experiences, we aim to create lasting change in the way employment, innovation and inclusion are approached in rural regions.
To connect key actors to tackle one of rural Europe’s most pressing challenges: youth employment. By linking knowledge, practice and policy, we’re laying the foundations for long-term solutions and future cooperation.
We’ll connect rural and agricultural youth organisations across Europe, so they can work side by side, amplify their voice and increase their long-term impact.
We’ll collect data, stories and good practices to shine a light on the problems young people face in accessing decent work in rural areas — and what’s already working.
We’ll bring together young people, policymakers, researchers and employers to the same table to co-design policies and initiatives that reflect real needs.
Behind CORE stands a diverse alliance of youth organisations, research experts and project specialists who believe in the power of collaboration.
Rural and agricultural youth organisations across Europe will be more aware of the employment challenges they face and there will be a common space for dialogue where these issues can be openly discussed with key stakeholders.
Through a common way of working, youth organisations will coordinate better, act together, and develop a more united approach to tackling rural employment challenges.
Decision-makers will have access to updated knowledge and concrete evidence on rural youth employment, leading to more informed, targeted and effective policy proposals.
A permanent centre for research, analysis and knowledge exchange will be created, uniting rural and agricultural youth organisations to drive social studies and inspire innovative solutions for sustainable development across Europe.
Youth employment and social policies across Europe will be improved, creating a more supportive environment for the professional growth and well-being of rural and agricultural young people, and contributing to the long-term vitality of their communities.
A non-profit umbrella organisation representing over two million young people in agriculture from 22 EU countries and beyond. With over 67 years of history and a Brussels-based team, CEJA gives a voice to the next generation of European farmers through policy, advocacy and youth engagement.
CEJA coordinates the CORE Project and leads its overall management as well as the policy governance activity, where we foster policy dialogue at both EU and national levels. Together with Rural Youth Europe, we also co-lead the development of a youth-driven think tank on social issues in agriculture and rural areas.
The largest network for rural youth people in Europe, RYE brings together 22 member organisations in 19 countries, representing around half a million young people in rural areas. Founded in 1957, it is a youth-led, membership-based NGO focusing on participation, inclusion and intercultural exchange.
RYE focuses on the collection of good practices across Europe activity, which aims to propose practical and policy solutions to the problems identified during the research on the current situation of youth employment in rural and agricultural areas, through a cross-sectoral dialogue involving all stakeholders.
A leading Dutch institution for agricultural and social sciences. Through the Wageningen School of Social Sciences (WASS), WUR has a long-standing commitment to research on global challenges related to inequality, sustainability, the environment and knowledge in society.
WUR contributes mainly through literature research, interviews with affected actors, organisation of focus groups, surveys and the use of other necessary research tools to gain a deeper understanding of youth unemployment in rural areas.
A national platform and think tank for young farmers in Austria. JLÖ acts as a bridge between agriculture, research and society, supporting new generations of farmers in turning today’s rural challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth.
Representing more than half of all young farmers in the Netherlands, NAJK is a dynamic youth organisation for people aged 16-35 with an interest in agriculture. It focuses on farm succession, entrepreneurship, education and giving rural youth a voice in both national and international discussions.
NAJK brings the voice of Dutch rural youth to the table—highlighting their perspectives, challenges, and ambitions—while working with international partners to co-create practical recommendations for both rural youth and European policymakers, with a focus on sustainable development and future-proofing rural regions.
A Spanish consultancy with extensive experience in managing EU-funded projects in the fields of education, rural development, agriculture, culture and social inclusion. It provides expert communication, evaluation and administrative support to ensure that CORE’s results are effective, visible and sustainable.
