Between 26–30 August 2025, the village of Valča, Slovakia will host the third edition of the European Rural Youth Summit (ERYS), a flagship event dedicated to empowering young people from rural areas and youth workers across Europe.
This year’s edition is expected to bring together 100 participants from 14 European countries, offering them a unique space to collaborate, exchange ideas, and co-create solutions for the future of rural youth.
A Pan-European Effort
After two successful editions in Romania, the 2025 summit arrives in Slovakia, thanks to a strong partnership of European and national organizations. The event is co-organised by PREPARE – the Rural Youth Parliament, alongside:
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NIVAM – Slovak National Agency coordinating the Erasmus+ Youth and Sport program
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ANPCDEFP – Romanian National Agency for Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps
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European Youth Village Program governance – Active Development Association and Go Free – Association for the Support of Civil Society
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OZ Vidiecky parlament mladých na Slovensku (Rural Youth Parliament of Slovakia)
Theme: “Together for Today”
The central theme of ERYS 2025 is youth well-being and intercultural dialogue. The summit aims to provide a safe and inclusive environment where rural youth can share experiences, learn from one another, and build a strong European network for change.
Young participants and youth workers will collaborate with decision-makers to shape a set of recommendations for policies and programs that better reflect the realities and aspirations of rural youth across Europe.
Strategic Priorities for 2025
This year’s recommendations will focus on two key priorities:
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Holistic well-being of rural youth – addressing mental, physical, and emotional health, while ensuring access to resources and opportunities for personal development and resilience.
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Authentic intercultural dialogue – fostering understanding between communities, reducing isolation, and promoting inclusive rural environments where diversity is celebrated.
About the European Youth Village Program
The European Youth Village program, born in Romania nearly eight years ago, has become a cornerstone in supporting rural youth initiatives. It offers a structured framework for engagement, strengthens civic participation, and builds sustainable partnerships between youth and policymakers.
Co-created by Active Development Association (ADA) and Go Free – Association for the Support of Civil Society (GO FREE), the program has already inspired dozens of rural communities. Starting in 2026, it will also be piloted in Slovakia, marking a major step toward expanding this successful model at the European level.
ERYS plays a key role in this expansion, serving as a catalyst for cooperation and ensuring that the voices of rural youth are heard, valued, and translated into action.
A Platform for Change
The European Rural Youth Summit 2025 is more than an event — it is a platform for dialogue, learning, and empowerment. By connecting young people, organizations, and policymakers, ERYS ensures that rural youth are not only participants in Europe’s future, but co-creators of it.