How can rural regions create better opportunities for young people to live, work and thrive? To explore this challenge and identify practical policy solutions, KMOP participated in the Steering Group Meeting of the “Rural Youth Future” project, which took place on 30 June–1 July 2026 in Vrdnik, Serbia, hosted by the Regional Development Agency Bačka.
Our team joined representatives from seven European regions and regional stakeholders to exchange experiences, explore inspiring local initiatives and assess how interregional cooperation is contributing to stronger youth policies and more resilient rural communities.
Learning from regional experiences
A central part of the meeting was the dialogue with stakeholders from the Bačka region, who shared the challenges and opportunities facing young people living in rural areas. Through discussions with local authorities, public institutions, youth organisations and regional development actors, participants explored how successful approaches implemented across Europe could be adapted to local contexts and contribute to more effective youth policies.
The meeting also showcased inspiring practices from Serbia and other partner regions, highlighting initiatives that promote youth participation, entrepreneurship, skills development and stronger local ecosystems. These exchanges reinforced the value of learning directly from regions that are already implementing innovative solutions to common challenges.
From exchanging practices to improving policies
Beyond sharing experiences, the meeting marked an important milestone for the project as partners presented the policy improvements achieved in their respective regions.
The discussions demonstrated how the interregional learning process has already influenced regional policy instruments, inspired new practices and strengthened cooperation between public authorities, local stakeholders and youth organisations. By exchanging experiences and adapting successful approaches, participating regions are building more effective policies that respond to the evolving needs of young people living in rural communities.
The meeting also confirmed the importance of sustained collaboration between regional authorities, public institutions and civil society to ensure that project results continue to generate long-term territorial impact.
Looking ahead to Brussels
Partners also prepared the project’s High-Level Policy Event, which will take place in Brussels in December 2026. The event will bring together policymakers, regional authorities and stakeholders from across Europe to showcase the policy improvements developed through the project and discuss how interregional cooperation can contribute to improved youth policies and more resilient rural communities.
KMOP participates in the “Rural Youth Future” project as Communication and Dissemination Leader, ensuring that the project’s experiences, policy recommendations and good practices reach policymakers, practitioners and communities across Europe. Through strategic communication activities, KMOP supports the dissemination of project results, strengthens stakeholder engagement and contributes to maximising the long-term impact on the youth population across European regions.
We continue working to strengthen opportunities for young people living in rural areas. Because when rural youth thrive, rural communities have a stronger future.
For further information about the “Rural Youth Future” project, contact us at [email protected].