Rural Youth Alternative Futures Manifesto
New Narratives and Possibilities for Empowering Rural Communities
A collective vision for a future where rural young people have the freedom, opportunities and resources to shape their own lives and communities.
The Rural Youth Alternative Futures Manifesto is a collective statement developed in connection with the EURYO Summer School 2026, held in Angra do Heroísmo, Azores, Portugal, from 7 to 11 September 2026. Co-organised by the European Rural Youth Observatory (EURYO) and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, the Summer School brought together young people, researchers and practitioners to reflect on the challenges, aspirations and opportunities shaping rural youth across Europe.
The Manifesto emerges from participatory discussions, shared experiences and collaborative work, bringing together diverse perspectives around a common conviction: living in a rural area should never mean having fewer rights, fewer opportunities or less influence over decisions that shape the future.
Six priorities for rural youth
The Manifesto identifies six interconnected priorities for building more inclusive, resilient and opportunity-rich rural communities:
- Freedom to Move and Stay Connected: Ensuring accessible transport, digital connectivity and genuine opportunities to stay, move, return and maintain connections with rural communities.
- Decent, Fair and Meaningful Work: Promoting quality employment, fair working conditions and inclusive pathways into the labour market.
- Education for Real Life and Rural Futures: Guaranteeing equal access to education and skills development that respond to young people’s aspirations and the evolving needs of rural territories.
- Entrepreneurship, Creativity and Innovation: Supporting youth-led initiatives, innovative ideas and entrepreneurial ecosystems capable of creating new opportunities in rural areas.
- Communities Where Young People Belong: Strengthening meaningful youth participation, social inclusion, accessible services and intergenerational cooperation.
- Housing and the Right to Build a Future: Addressing housing affordability and accessibility as essential conditions for young people to choose rural life.
From young people’s voices to collective action
Beyond identifying challenges, the Manifesto calls for concrete commitments from European and national institutions, regional and local authorities, educational organisations, employers, civil society and research networks.
It advocates a shift from consultation to meaningful participation, ensuring that rural young people are recognised as equal partners in designing, implementing and evaluating the policies that affect them.
The Manifesto is not intended to remain a declaration of principles. It provides a foundation for continued dialogue, advocacy, research and practical action, encouraging institutions and stakeholders to translate its priorities into measurable improvements in young people’s lives.
An invitation to shape rural futures together
EURYO is committed to promoting the Manifesto, broadening the conversation to include more rural youth voices and encouraging collaboration across countries, sectors and communities.
We invite policymakers, researchers, youth organisations, local authorities and rural stakeholders to explore the Manifesto, share its messages and contribute to turning its proposals into action.
Read the Manifesto: 
Rural Youth Alternative Futures Manifesto – New Narratives and Possibilities for Empowering Rural Communities
Developed in connection with EURYO Summer School 2026 | Angra do Heroísmo, Azores | 7–11 September 2026.
