Investing in rural youth and local communities: reflections from the EURYO Conference 2026
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
- Stronger Rural Areas
- Prosperous rural areas
- Connected rural areas
- Resilient rural areas
- Democracy and participation
- Youth
- Housing
- Digital
- Transport and mobility
What does it take to make rural areas places where young people genuinely choose to stay? This question was at the heart of the EURYO Conference 2026, held on 11 September in Angra do Heroísmo, in the Azores, Portugal.
© European Union, 2026
The event brought together researchers, policymakers and practitioners to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing young people in rural areas across Europe. A central message emerging from the conference was that investing in rural youth means investing in rural communities as a whole.
Transport, housing, digital connectivity and spaces for participation benefit everyone. When young people are supported to contribute, to shape decisions and to build a future in their communities, the whole community becomes stronger. Participation is not a consultation exercise. It is a condition for community resilience and long-term vitality.
The Rural Pact Support Office contributed to a panel discussion on rural youth in perspective, highlighting the Rural Pact Community Platform as a space where good practices, knowledge and collaboration can be shared across Europe. Through the Rural Pact Community Group on youth, rural youth stakeholders are already working together to shape policy and amplify what is working on the ground.
Explore the latest Rural Pact resources on youth and join the Community Group to connect and exchange with peers.