More than 100 rural youth leaders, representatives of youth-led and young farmers’ organisations, and Spanish and European policy-makers gathered between 25 and 28 February in Infiesto, Asturias, for the European Rural Youth Forward Conference 2026, “From Vision to Action”

Organised by Rural Youth Europe in collaboration with EPA! - Rural Youth of Spain, and co-funded by the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe and Erasmus+ of the European Union, the event fostered dialogue, exchange, and collaboration to advance rural policy-making that is inclusive, participatory, and centred on the needs and voices of rural young people.

The participants were welcomed by the Begoña Garcia, Secretary of State for Agriculture and Food of Spain, who emphasised that “the future of agri-food sector depends on young people and women”.

The Minister for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenges, Sara Aagesen, reaffirmed “the right to a stable, free, and dignified life in our villages and communities”.

During the conference, the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, presented the Spain’s Second National Strategy for Territorial Equity and the Demographic Challenge, announcing 20 million euros towards innovative sustainable transport solutions in rural areas and 1 billion euros, combining direct aid and funding, to facilitate investments in the agricultural sector. "We want to be a country where rights are not lost, where the quality of life in any town or village is comparable to that of any city," said the Prime Minister.

A key point of the conference was the presentation of the Recommendation on the social, economic and political participation of rural youth (CM/Rec(2025)3), adopted by the Committee of Ministers in May 2025. Advisory Council on Youth member, Eva Kotnik showcased how the Council of Europe’s co-management system serves as a promising practice for meaningful youth involvement in policy- and decision-making processes.

Matjaž Gruden, Director for Democracy at the Council of Europe introduced the ongoing consultation process towards the New Democratic Pact for Europe. Participants exchanged views on the critical role rural youth can play in shaping Europe’s democratic future and renewal, and the ways the Pact can open new opportunities for participation and amplify rural youth voices. The Director for Democracy stressed: “Being loud and impatient is a good start, but we must go beyond simply listening to young people, including those from rural areas. It is essential to create real opportunities for rural youth and civil society to co-shape the solutions to the challenges European societies are confronted with. Integrating the perspectives of young people from all backgrounds is indispensable for developing public policies that truly respond to our collective needs. Democracy cannot just be taught; it has to be experienced by all.”

The EU–Council of Europe Youth Partnership also presented valuable data and findings on the situation of young people living in rural areas, supporting informed and evidence-based discussions. A recently published study “HERE TO STAY? The transitions of rural youth before and after the Covid-19 pandemic” was also presented.

Throughout the conference, participants engaged actively in a series of working groups where they discussed concrete ways to improve rural youth engagement and participation at both local and European levels. These discussions focused not only on strengthening involvement in their own communities, but also on empowering rural youth to take part in broader Europe-wide policy dialogues and initiatives.

The recently revised Charter on the participation of young people in local and regional life was also presented as a concrete and practical instrument, empowering rural youth and youth organisations to advocate effectively for their involvement at the local level.

The innovative ideas, proposals, and outcomes emerging from the conference, including the results of the working groups, will directly feed into the development of a practical roadmap for implementing Recommendation CM/Rec(2025)3 over the coming year.

More information: Press release of the Rural Youth Europe