The project Rural Youth Future (RYF) successfully held its fifth inter-regional seminar, held on 15–16 October 2025 at the offices of Galicia Europa Foundation in Brussels. The event was jointly organized by KMOP Policy Center and Galicia Europa Foundation, and over two days it brought together regional partners, policymakers, and experts from across Europe to exchange experiences and strengthen policies supporting young people in rural areas.

Reflection on Achievements and Exchange of Good Practices

During the seminar, partners from **Spain, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Latvia, Portugal, and Serbia** presented concrete policy improvements and transferable good practices. These included initiatives for digital inclusion, entrepreneurship development programs for youth, and innovative tools for education and employment. Participants jointly emphasized the importance of **learning through experience exchange**, **strengthening cooperation among stakeholders**, and **including youth perspectives in the main streams of regional and national policies**.

Featured Speakers

**Urszula Budzich-Tabor**, Senior Policy Analyst at the **Rural Pact Support Office** and Vice President of **LDnet**, as well as **Adriana Borsellino**, Policy Officer at **Rural Youth Europe**, shared valuable insights on how **multi-level cooperation** and **youth participation** can accelerate **rural innovation and sustainability**. Their presentations highlighted the importance of linking **EU frameworks**, such as the **Rural Pact**, with **youth-led initiatives on the ground** to create inclusive and resilient rural communities.

Highlighting the Role of Women and Public Policies

The Director of **Galicia Europa Foundation in Brussels**, **Ana Ramos**, emphasized the importance of **promoting public policies** that encourage **youth participation** and ensure the **future of rural areas in Europe**. She cited **Galician programs**, especially **RuralYouthFuture**, as models for exchanging good practices and fostering territorial impact across Europe. The aim is to strengthen policies for **young people in rural areas** and **sustainable, inclusive rural development**. She also highlighted the **role of women in rural development**, particularly since the seminar was held on **International Day of Rural Women**. To learn more about the project and stay updated on its activities, follow RuralYouthFuture on social media:

• X (Twitter): https://x.com/ruralyouth_eu
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruralyouthfutureproject/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rural-youth-future