On 9 and 10 October, the group responsible for preparing a Committee of Ministers recommendation on Rural Youth met in an enlarged format in Strasbourg. In addition to members from the youth statutory bodies - namely the European Steering Committee for Youth and the Advisory Council on Youth -  and two experts from the EU/CoE Youth Partnership, were present representatives from the European Youth Forum, Rural Youth Europe and the European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA).

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 aims to fill a specific policy gap and addresses issues such as employment, health, education and mobility. Its objectives include promoting better access to rights, inclusion and participation of young people from rural areas in social, economic and public life at all levels.

The drafting process is set to continue into the following year, with the next meeting scheduled for the end of January 2024 in Strasbourg. The draft recommendation is expected to be presented to the Joint Council on Youth for adoption in October 2024.