Meet our new Group 2 Board Member: Eva Seibl

We're continuing our introductions to the newest members of the Rural Youth Europe Board, finding out more about their backgrounds, their involvement in rural youth organisations and what they hope to bring to RYE during their mandate.

Next up, meet Eva Seibl, our new Group 2 Board Member, representing our member organisations across Europe.

Eva is from Tyrol in Austria and has been actively involved with Rural Youth Austria (Landjugend Österreich) for many years, including serving as National Vice-Chairwoman.

We caught up with Eva to find out more.

Firstly, introduce yourself! Where are you from and what is your involvement with Rural Youth Austria?

My name is Eva Seibl, I'm 26 years old and I come from Tyrol in Austria.

I've been involved with the Tyrolean Young Farmers' Association and Waidring Rural Youth in my hometown of Waidring, where I served as secretary for six years.

From November 2024 to November 2025, I was also Vice-Chairwoman of Rural Youth Austria.

Tell us a little more about your involvement with Rural Youth Austria and the skills or experiences you've gained through the organisation.

During my time as Vice-Chairwoman of Rural Youth Austria, I gained a great deal of international experience.

I was responsible for coordinating the IFYE exchange programme on behalf of Rural Youth Austria, as well as our involvement in Rural Youth Europe events.

This gave me the opportunity to attend several RYE events myself and get to know the international network much better.

What has your involvement with Rural Youth Europe been so far, and is there a particular memory that stands out?

Through my work with Rural Youth Austria, I've had the opportunity to attend the European Rally in both 2025 and 2026. I've also represented Rural Youth Austria on the RYE Policy Committee.

In addition, I've attended the Sustain Seminar in Romania and the Rural Youth Forward project conference in Spain.

One memory that particularly stands out is my first European Rally in Slovenia in 2025. I really value the opportunity to meet and interact with so many different people from different countries, and that experience has stayed with me.

Why did you want to become the Group 2 representative for Rural Youth Europe?

I've gained a great deal of international experience throughout my life, which has enriched me in so many ways. The rural youth movement has also played a major part in my life over recent years.

These experiences encouraged me to put myself forward as a Board Member and Group 2 representative.

It's important to me to further strengthen our existing networks and continue developing opportunities for young people living in rural areas across Europe.

What would you like to achieve during your time on the RYE Board?

I'd like to strengthen the member organisations within Group 2 and raise the profile of Rural Youth Europe as a network.

There are still many young people who aren't aware of the fantastic opportunities available through RYE, and I'd like to help change that.

And finally, what is your favourite thing to bring to an international buffet?

Mannerschnitten, of course!

A big welcome to Eva! We're looking forward to working with her during her mandate and seeing how she helps strengthen connections and opportunities across the Rural Youth Europe network.