Between August 26–30, 2025, the third edition of the ERYS – European Rural Youth Summit will take place, an international event dedicated to young people from rural areas and youth workers across Europe. After the first two editions organized in Romania, this year the summit arrives in Valča, Slovakia, where 100 participants from 14 European countries are expected.
Organized under the umbrella of the European Youth Village program, the event brings together young people, youth workers, and decision-makers to co-create real solutions that improve the lives of rural youth across Europe.
The 2025 edition is hosted by NIVAM – the Slovak National Agency coordinating the Erasmus+ Youth and Sport program, ANPCDEFP – the Romanian National Agency for Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps, in collaboration with the governance of the European Youth Village Program (Active Development Association and Go Free – Association for the Support of Civil Society), and OZ Vidiecky parlament mladých na Slovensku.
ERYS aims to create a space for learning, collaboration, and active participation for young people from villages and rural communities across Europe, where their voices are heard and valued both nationally and at the European level. The summit opens opportunities for direct dialogue and cooperation between rural youth and decision-makers, encouraging long-term partnerships that contribute to more youth-centered policies.
The theme of this year’s edition is “TOGETHER FOR TODAY”, focusing on youth well-being and intercultural dialogue. ERYS provides a safe space that connects young people, organizations, and rural initiatives in building a strong network for change that empowers rural youth across Europe.
During the summit, participants will work on a set of recommendations for decision-makers, reflecting the voices of rural youth and the challenges they face across Europe.
The recommendations will focus on two key strategic priorities:
- Promoting a holistic approach to mental, physical, and emotional well-being, tailored to the specific challenges faced by young people in rural areas, ensuring access to the necessary tools and resources for personal development and resilience.
- Facilitating authentic intercultural dialogue, encouraging mutual understanding, reducing isolation, and promoting inclusive rural communities where diversity is celebrated and integrated.
About the European Youth Village Program – a success story born in Romania, now expanding across Europe
The European Youth Village program has played an essential role in empowering rural youth in Europe, offering them tools, visibility, and a structured framework for engagement at local, national, and European levels. Launched nearly eight years ago in Romania, the program has supported dozens of rural communities in developing youth-led initiatives, strengthening civic participation, and building sustainable partnerships between youth and decision-makers.
By promoting a bottom-up approach, the initiative ensures that the voices of rural youth are not only heard but also influence the policies that shape their lives. The program was co-created in Romania by two nonprofit organizations – Active Development Association (ADA) and Go Free – Association for the Support of Civil Society (GO FREE). Starting in 2026, the program will be piloted in Slovakia, marking the expansion of this model at the European level. ERYS has become a key instrument in achieving this goal.
