Only 10 days left until Candas, the capital of the Asturias region in Spain, will be surrounded by more than 60 young activists from 14 countries of Europe. Many different opinions, perspectives and experiences will be put together to build the European Rural Youth Declaration. The 2^nd European Rural Youth Parliament (ERYP) serves as a platform for youth to ENGAGE, CONNECT, to be EMPOWERED and heard in European level.

Beforehand, the youth participants have identified 5 rural development challenges they see the most important. During ERYP, the young professionals will bring their vision on how the future of Europe’s rural territories should look like and what are the key incentives for youth to move to or remain there. Specific solutions and calls for action for each challenge will be developed.

• Diverse Opportunities for Economic Activities
• Sustainable Farming and Food Production
• The Infrastructure of Broadband and Transportation
• Accessibility and Quality of Public Services
• Civic Engagement and Political Awareness

The three days of the Youth Parliament will also consist of country experience exchange, networking, field trips, good practise sharing, dialogue with experts and decision-makers. Right after, youth representatives will share the outcome at the European Rural Parliament. And that is not all – in January the Youth Declaration will be brought to politicians and rural development institutions in Brussels.

ERYP is organised by Latvian Rural Forum (Latvia), Red Asturiana de Desarrollo Rural (Spain), Centre for Economic and Rural Development (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Croatian Rural Development Network (Croatia), International Movement of Catholic Agricultural and Rural Youth – Europe (pan-European), LAGs in Vysocina Region (Czech Republic), Network of Organizations for Rural Development of Kosovo, Rural Development Network of The Republic of Macedonia (North Macedonia), Slovak Rural Parliament (Slovakia) and Forum Synergies (pan-European).

The project “The best is yet to come. Youth create tomorrows’ rural reality from village to wider Europe” is financed with the support of European Commission’s “Erasmus+: Youth in Action” administered in Latvia by the Agency for International Programs for Youth. This publication reflects only the author’s views, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Contacts:
Latvian Rural Forum
laukuforums@gmail.com