A Project Empowering Rural Youth
Rural areas across Europe face challenges such as depopulation and a lack of youth engagement. Many young people migrate to urban centers, leaving behind communities that are often seen as lacking opportunities. The Best is Yet to Come is an initiative designed to counteract this trend by empowering rural youth to actively participate in shaping the future of their communities.
This Erasmus+ project brought together young people from rural areas across nine countries to foster dialogue and action for sustainable rural development.
Project Overview
- Project Reference: 2019-1-LV02-KA347-002579
- Status: Completed
- Duration: May 15, 2019 – March 14, 2020
- EU Grant: €30,715
- Countries Involved: Latvia, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Spain, Slovakia
- Key Topics: Youth participation, rural development, international cooperation
Engaging Rural Youth
The project aimed to connect and engage young people from rural areas with policymakers at local, national, and European levels. Through international gatherings and discussions, participants explored ways to influence rural development and raise awareness about the importance of youth involvement.
More than 60 rural youth participated in activities such as:
- Workshops and brainstorming sessions to develop ideas for rural transformation.
- Debates with experts and policymakers to discuss real-world rural challenges.
- Field trips and case studies to better understand rural issues.
- International gatherings, culminating in the European Rural Youth Parliament (ERYP), where participants contributed to the development of the ERP declaration.
Strengthening Rural Voices
The ERP and ERYP declarations created during the project were presented to European institutions, ensuring that rural youth concerns were considered in policy-making. The project also organized an awareness-raising event in Brussels to highlight the outcomes and promote long-term engagement.
By connecting young people across borders and fostering collaboration, the project aimed to:
- Empower youth with new skills and knowledge.
- Strengthen their role in local decision-making.
- Encourage leadership and active participation in community development.
Long-Term Impact
The initiative has set a foundation for continued youth engagement in rural development. The project’s long-term impact includes:
- Greater youth representation in rural policy discussions.
- Stronger connections between rural communities and European decision-makers.
- More young leaders emerging in rural areas, advocating for sustainable growth and innovation.
Get Involved
The future of rural Europe depends on its youth. If you’re passionate about rural development and youth engagement, explore similar projects and initiatives in your area!
For more information, visit our website and join the movement towards a brighter future for rural Europe.
