European Rural Youth Forward Conference 2026 Empowers Young People to Co-Create Solutions for Rural Europe

Piloña (Asturias), Spain | 24 February – 1 March 2026

Over 100 rural youth leaders, policy-makers, and stakeholders gathered in L’Infiestu, Piloña, for the European Rural Youth Forward Conference 2026 – “From Vision to Action.” Organised by Rural Youth Europe (RYE) in collaboration with EPA! – Rural Youth of Spain, the four-day event highlighted the importance of bringing rural young people and policy-makers together to co-shape practical solutions for rural communities.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez himself, who attended the first day of the event, emphasised the importance of involving young people: “it is deeply gratifying to be with you, especially surrounded by so many young Europeans committed to rural areas and engaged in the fight against depopulation that threatens our roots and culture.”  

This practical cooperation between institutions and young people reflects the strength of Erasmus+ and European Youth Foundation initiatives. “This is why the Rural Youth Forward project is so important,” said Ketrin Kastehein, Chairperson of RYE, in her opening remarks. “It highlights the transformative potential of EU funded initiatives in strengthening legitimate rural youth organisations, expanding networks, and giving young people meaningful ways to shape their communities.” 

Sara Álvarez Gómez, President of EPA!, added: “rural youth are the driving force that protects and renews this shared democratic culture, from the most local to the European level. And for that, we need to feel that Europe is not ‘somewhere else.’ It has to feel like a framework that protects our diversity, our culture, and our ability to live together — our shared guarantee of freedom.”   

The findings from the study “Here to stay? The transitions of rural youth before and after the Covid-19 pandemic” on the situation and needs of rural youth across Europe, were presented for the first time and set the basis for discussions. Delegates explored key challenges facing rural areas, including youth engagement, cultural sustainability, access to education, and local economic opportunities.

Through the Petardo methodology, an interactive role-play game where participants take on assigned characters, tackle challenges, and respond to timed “firecracker” interventions, young leaders co-created practical prototypes that address the needs in their communities. Among the initiatives were a community kitchen enabling rural producers to legally process and sell food while reducing regulatory barriers; a recurring school-based program connecting students with role models, businesses, and political actors; a flexible youth initiative that revitalises cultural activities with accessible events, clear roles, and volunteer recognition; and a shared community hub offering internet access, workshops, and intergenerational learning opportunities. The methodology fostered creativity, critical thinking, and collaborative decision-making and was developed by Lucas Rodriguez. 

Read the prototypes

The conference also featured panels on democratic participation, good practices from rural youth organisations, and youth-led governance. Matjaž Gruden from the Council of Europe emphasized: “If we want to understand why people are losing faith in democracy, listening to young people in rural areas is a good place to start.” 

Echoing this perspective, Maxi Espeter, member of the Cabinet of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food at the European Commission, highlighted the active role of young people in rural development: “This enriching conference clearly showed that rural youth is not to be seen as a beneficiary, but as entrepreneurs, community builders, innovators and service providers.” 

The event demonstrated the critical role of rural youth in shaping the future of their communities and showed how participatory, youth-led initiatives can translate vision into tangible action.