On 14-15 February, the group responsible for preparing a Committee of Ministers recommendation on Rural Youth met in an enlarged format in Strasbourg. This group includes members from the youth statutory bodies - namely the European Steering Committee for Youth and the Advisory Council on Youth – scientific experts and one representative of the European Youth Forum.

The draft recommendation aims to fill a specific policy gap at the European level. It addresses issues such as promoting youth engagement and democratic participation, strengthening youth structures in rural areas, creating economic opportunities and improving access to human rights such as the right to education. During the two-day meeting, participants focused on the content of the recommendation, engaging in discussions on the unique challenges and vulnerabilities experienced by young people in rural areas and brainstorming on possible steps and measures that member states could take to address them.

The draft recommendation is expected to be presented to the Joint Council on Youth for adoption in October 2024.