Youth 4 Rural originates from a clear and precise observation: among all European Union member states, the youth unemployment rate in rural areas is 18.9%, compared to 15.6% in urban areas. These figures are only averages and conceal significant disparities between countries, particularly in Spain, where the youth unemployment rate is the highest in the EU at 28.2%.
Thus, the Youth 4 Rural project addresses a genuine issue by supporting young people to become advocates of new consumption methods and combating rural depopulation through strong measures. Training young people to become the future actors by teaching them best practices is a major challenge for the future of Europe.
Indeed, it’s important to commit for these areas. Countryside areas are the lifeblood of tradition, culture and agriculture. The European Union's commitment to rurality is not just a policy directive but a testament to the importance of preserving and revitalizing these areas for a balanced and sustainable future.
Youth 4 Rural is part of the "Vision for Rural Areas" project, which aims to achieve 10 common objectives by 2040. This project aligns with the ambition to revitalize rural areas so that they are stronger, more connected, more resilient, and more prosperous. So, The EU's Vision for Rural Areas 2040 encapsulates a comprehensive strategy aimed at revitalizing rural communities:
·Enhance the attractiveness of territories: Encourage harmonious territorial development to help address local impacts of global challenges.
·Train local and multi-level governance actors: Employ collaborative and participatory approaches.
·Ensure food security: Guarantee economic opportunities and provide goods and services for society.
·Create vibrant communities: Focus on well-being, ensuring sufficient livelihoods, equality, prosperity, and good quality of life.
·Develop supportive and equitable communities: Foster self-renewing communities for the future. Respect the Green Deal commitments: Create new biodiversity spaces and ensure sustainable natural resource management.
·Provide high-speed broadband access: High-speed broadband access is a cornerstone of modern development because it allows facilitate project development in all territories.
·Connect isolated territories: Enable meeting points for enterprising, innovative individuals capable of technological, ecological, and social progress.
·Guarantee effective, accessible, and affordable public/private services.
·Promote diversity spaces: Maximize advantages, talents, and resources.
We can see that Youth 4 Rural meets several of these criteria and integrates into the European dynamic at a local level by involving various associations across Europe. This European dimension is prominent within the project since rurality is often linked to agriculture, a sector under EU jurisdiction. Farmlands, forests, rivers, lakes, and villages shape rural areas and represent a vast expanse. Revitalizing these areas is essential to better balance the territory and ensure ecological transition.
To conclude, The European Union’s commitment to rurality is a multifaceted approach that recognizes the unique challenges and immense potential of these areas. Through strategic initiatives and comprehensive policies, the EU is working to ensure that rural communities are not left behind in the march towards progress. By revitalizing rural areas, enhancing connectivity, promoting sustainable practices, and empowering local communities, the EU is paving the way for a balanced, prosperous and resilient Europe. This commitment is not just about preserving the past but about building a sustainable future where rural areas can flourish alongside their urban counterparts.
Rémi OLLIVEAUX
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