Discover rural youth transitions ongoing across Europe

Последно ажурирана на Петок, 27/02/2026

Do you know what the latest trends and ongoing challenges are for young people in rural areas? What does data tell us about access to education, employment, mobility, support systems, youth participation, and leisure, culture and sports? How do European and national policies support youth transitions in rural areas? Our new study explores these questions and more!

The study, launched by the European Commission within the framework of the EU–Council of Europe Youth Partnership, draws on Eurostat and Eurobarometer (2019-2023) plus a survey of 2,503 rural young people (18-30) across 14 countries.

It provides new evidence on the realities, needs, and challenges faced by young people in rural areas across Europe. It shows mixed trends: while more rural young people complete tertiary education and fewer are NEET, structural challenges persist, including declining youth populations, unemployment, and low civic participation. Promising developments are emerging through governance reforms and civil society initiatives linked to the digital and green transitions, but these require sustained policy support and monitoring to be effective.

The findings call for more tailored and inclusive rural youth policies, stronger coordination between stakeholders, and better integration of rural youth perspectives into national and EU frameworks to ensure resilient and sustainable rural regions.