This episode of UNDER 30 reviews the EU-Council of Europe youth partnership’s new study on rural youth transitions before and after COVID-19. The guests - Francisco Simões, co-author of the study and Ketrin Kastehein from Rural Youth Europe -  highlight data on changing opportunities, challenges, and transitions to adulthood for rural youth. They discuss slower progress and persistent gaps in education, jobs, and infrastructure, especially for young women and remote regions. Informal networks—family, friends, and youth organizations—emerge as critical support systems. The conversation addresses improvements needed in national and EU policies, such as access to digital tools, funding, and program outreach. Recommendations include creating multi-functional community spaces and ensuring Erasmus+ and youth programs reach rural youth more effectively.

Links:

Research on rural youth - https://pjp-eu.coe.int/en/web/youth-partnership/research-on-rural-youth