Rural Youth Europe Awards 2026 Are Open for Entries!
- Rural Youth Europe
- Jun 3
- 3 min read
Rural Youth Europe is pleased to launch the Rural Youth Europe Awards 2026, celebrating the young people, clubs, projects and events making a positive impact in rural communities across Europe.
The awards recognise individuals and initiatives that inspire others, strengthen communities and demonstrate the value of youth participation in rural areas.
Whether you are part of an inspiring club, know someone making a difference, or have organised a project or event that has created impact, we encourage you to submit an entry.
Apply Now
Choose the category you would like to enter and complete the relevant online application form:
Inspirational Person of the Year
Recognising young people who inspire others through their actions, leadership and contribution to rural youth and communities.
Inspirational Club of the Year
Celebrating clubs that demonstrate innovation, community spirit and commitment to supporting rural young people.
Rural Youth Europe Project of the Year
Recognising projects, events, campaigns and initiatives that have created a positive impact for rural youth and rural communities.
Entry Deadline: Wednesday 1 July 2026
Award Categories and Judging Criteria
Rural Youth Europe Project of the Year
This award recognises projects, events, campaigns, activities and initiatives where young people have worked together towards a common goal on a voluntary basis.
We are looking for entries that have created a positive impact for rural youth, local communities or wider society through innovation, collaboration and active participation.
Judging Criteria
Entries will be assessed based on:
How well the aims of the project or event align with the overall purpose of the organisation and the benefits delivered to rural young people, local communities and wider society
Level of innovation and creativity throughout planning, implementation and communication
Level of involvement and volunteering of young people throughout the project or event
Inspirational Person of the Year
This category celebrates young people who have inspired others through their actions, leadership, commitment or contribution within their organisation or community.
Judging Criteria
Entries will be assessed based on:
The impact the individual has had within their youth organisation and wider community
Level of innovation, adaptability and resilience demonstrated by the individual
Level of involvement and volunteering across projects, activities and initiatives
Inspirational Club of the Year
This award recognises clubs that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting rural young people and their local communities.
Judging Criteria
Entries will be assessed based on:
Level of innovation, adaptability and resilience demonstrated by the club
Level of involvement and volunteering in projects, events and activities that benefit members and local communities
Eligibility and Submission Information
Entries are open for projects and events carried out between June 2025 and July 2026.
All entries and nominations will be verified through their respective Rural Youth Europe member organisations.
Please note:
All submitted materials must be provided in English
By submitting photographs or visual materials, you agree to these being used on Rural Youth Europe’s website and social media channels and confirm you have permission from those featured
Please ensure you complete the correct application form for the category you are entering
Prize
Winners in each category will receive:
A guaranteed space on a designated Rural Youth Europe event in 2027 (the specific event will be suggested by the RYE team)
Rural Youth Europe Awards Certificate
A feature on Rural Youth Europe social media channels
In addition to the prizes, winners will receive recognition at a European level through the Rural Youth Europe network.
Selection Process
Inspirational Person of the Year & Inspirational Club of the Year
These categories will be judged internally, with winners and runners-up announced at the European Rally 2026 and through Rural Youth Europe communication channels.
Rural Youth Europe Project of the Year
Judges will first carry out an internal judging process to select the top three entries.
The shortlisted entries will then progress to a public voting stage on the Rural Youth Europe Instagram page.
Public voting contributes 20% of the final score, with judges’ scoring contributing the remaining 80%.
Instagram voting scores will be allocated as follows:
1st place in public voting: 20%
2nd place in public voting: 15%
3rd place in public voting: 10%
To ensure fairness, Rural Youth Europe reserves the right to exclude artificial engagement, including automated accounts, bots or other manipulated activity, from social media voting calculations where this is deemed to have substantially influenced results.
The winning entry will be the submission with the highest combined score from judges and public voting.
Submit Your Entry
Across Europe, young people, clubs and organisations are making a difference in rural communities every day.
The Rural Youth Europe Awards recognise and celebrate this work at a European level.
Choose your category above and submit your entry before Wednesday 1 July 2026.
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