‘Glocal’ opportunities for young people in rural and remote areas
The Council is calling for greater support for young people living in rural and remote areas – in particular by improving access to ‘glocal’ opportunities in education and employment – as a way to combat demographic challenges in Europe.
All young people in Europe should have equal access to quality education, training and job opportunities, yet too often those living in rural and remote areas are left behind. Today’s conclusions highlight the challenges faced by rural youth and call on member states and the Commission to foster “glocal” opportunities for young people to ensure they have equal possibilities locally.
Balázs Hankó, Hungarian Minister for Culture and Innovation
Rural communities are a core part of the EU’s identity and play a crucial role in sustainable development. However, significant disparities persist between rural and urban areas. Young people in particular face challenges linked to fewer job opportunities, less access to quality education, and limited availability of social and healthcare services, among other factors. These issues increase the likelihood of young people moving away from rural and remote areas in search of better opportunities, leading to demographic challenges linked to depopulation.
The Council is calling on EU authorities to step up efforts to ensure equal access for young people in rural and remote areas to key services, enabling them to benefit from ‘glocal’ opportunities. The term ‘glocal’ refers to the ability to think globally and act locally, as well as to the integration of the local and the global.
In particular, the conclusions encourage member states to:
- improve access for rural youth to digital services, such as by strengthening digital infrastructure
- involve young people living in rural and remote areas in decision-making at all levels
- foster the creation of more, and more diverse, quality job, education and training opportunities in rural and remote areas, in sectors such as agriculture and climate adaptation
- encourage intergenerational solidarity and interaction, including via local youth organisations
- train youth workers, educators and professionals to acknowledge the diverse talents of young people
The Council also calls on the Commission to improve access to relevant EU initiatives and funds, and increase the visibility of rural youth in the EU’s youth programmes, including the post-2027 EU Youth Strategy.
Background
The Council conclusions approved today build on conclusions approved in November 2023 on ‘a long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas’, in which member states were invited to ‘actively support young rural citizens, inter alia by facilitating their access to funding and land, providing, diverse and flexible employment and training and educational opportunities and involving them in policy design and in local decision-making processes’. The conclusions fall within the scope of one of the Hungarian presidency’s overarching priorities, addressing demographic challenges.