Conclusions from the Study Visit to Galicia (Spain)

The main goal of this visit was to analyze good practices developed in Galicia, aimed at improving youth employment in rural areas, addressing the specific needs of young people in the region, reducing inequalities compared to their urban peers, and combating aging and depopulation.

The Galicia-Europe Foundation (FGE) organized the study visit to Galicia together with its partners within the RuralYouthFuture project. The meeting was held on June 11 and 12, 2025, in Sobrarbe, Quiroga, and surrounding areas (Lugo). Representatives from seven partner countries gathered to study and analyze good practices implemented by Galician entities – institutions, associations, and other actors. A total of 49 people attended the event.

The meeting in Sobrarbe began with greetings from local and regional representatives, who presented the rural environment in which we found ourselves. First, the General Directorate for Youth presented its programs “Mentorship for Youth” and “Youth Mentorship in Entrepreneurship,” offering counseling and training for young people aged 18 to 30 seeking help finding their first job – with excellent results. Then, AGADER presented its project “Development, Sustainability and Modernization of Rural Areas,” which revitalizes abandoned villages in Galicia by creating jobs for young people.

After this presentation, the group visited the village of Francos de Proendos, presented as a model village, where two young livestock farmers showcased improvements they had implemented.

The afternoon program began with the presentation of the project “Young Digital Ambassadors of Small and Medium Enterprises” (DYAS), implemented by Eurocidade Chaves-Verin. The project introduced digitalization in rural Galicia and promoted employment and internships for people aged 18 to 30. In the same spirit, AMTEGA, through its program “Connectivity and Digital Skills for Local Development,” presented efforts for digital adaptation and removing barriers to digital inclusion in rural environments. Then, within the program “Promoting Innovation in SMEs,” Daniel Pardo presented his company Innogando – composed of young entrepreneurs whose economic activities take place in and for rural areas. They offer technological solutions for the livestock sector using smartwatches that monitor cow activity.

The presentation “Gamification to Empower Rural Youth” by Daniel Diéguez proposed the use of games to develop skills needed for the labor market. The session ended with a presentation by Ana Adán from the organization Action Against Hunger on the program “Vives Aprende Xuventude: Inclusive Schools for Employment,” which provides training and employment opportunities for disadvantaged youth from rural areas.

On Thursday, June 12, the group traveled to Quiroga, where they were welcomed by local officials, followed by new presentations of good practices. The organization TourGalia, through its brands, enables generational renewal guaranteeing the future of this area, with strong commitment to rural development. Mariña Cortés presented her role as an IVY volunteer and explained the benefits of this program both for youth and organizations.

During the day, participants also learned about the characteristics, interpretations, and values of the rural interior of Galicia – in Sobrarbe, Quiroga, and Ribas de Sil. On site, they learned more about the “heroism” of those who decide to live and fight for the rural interior of Galicia. Particularly emphasized were the legacies left by this area and the importance of viticulture, promoted by young winemakers from the region.

The study visit fulfilled its goal – it shed light on the reality of young people who choose to live and work in rural Galicia. It allowed European partners to learn and familiarize themselves with initiatives of young entrepreneurs as well as public and private actors. We hope these sessions will inspire new initiatives and actively contribute to improving youth employment policies, aiming to become a starting point for strengthening policies as well as promoting innovative solutions adapted to the local context in Galicia and across Europe.

“Let’s be more rural.” And above all: “The future is rural.”

If you are interested in learning more about our efforts to open new opportunities and create chances that will positively transform the lives of young people living in rural areas, you can find us on the following social media:

· LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/93205221/admin/
· Twitter: https://twitter.com/ruralyouth_eu
· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruralyouthfutureproject/

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