RURAL EU

Partner countries: Italy, Spain, Croatia, Romania

Duration: 24 months

Funding: EACEA, CERV-2024-CITIZENS-TOWN-NT (Networks of Towns)

Partners: Maghweb (representing the Municipality of Palazzo Adriano), LAG Vallis Colapis (Croatia), Ayuntamiento de San Xoán de Río (Spain), Harghita County Council (Romania)

The project is funded by the European Union.

The views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the granting authority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

The “Connecting Rural Europe: Networking and Development in Small Towns – Rural EU” project was initiated by Maghweb, in cooperation with the Municipality of Palazzo Adriano and the partner institutions, with the aim of establishing a network among organisations and public institutions working on capacity building for young people in rural areas.

Europe’s rural regions face significant disadvantages compared to urban areas. Outmigration, an ageing population, limited educational and cultural opportunities, low income levels, and a lack of confidence in the future are all concrete challenges that are becoming increasingly severe. At the same time, rural communities often feel isolated from the centre of Europe and do not feel that they can actively participate in the life of the European Union.

Meanwhile, public institutions and civil society organisations are continuously seeking ways to create opportunities for young people in rural areas through resilience and innovation practices. The project aims to connect rural development practices and experiences already tested in Italy, Spain, Croatia and Romania, and to strengthen capacities to address social challenges in rural areas.

Focus Group: Event Description Sheet

Rural Youth Festival: Event Description Sheet