European Rural Youth Summit

ERYS 2025 – Together for today!

After two successful editions in Romania, the European Rural Youth Summit (ERYS) is moving to Slovakia. The third edition will take place in the village of Valča from August 26 to 30, 2025, and will officially launch the European Youth Village program in Slovakia.

This international event provides space for young people from rural areas, youth workers, and policymakers from across Europe to meet, share experiences, and create concrete proposals to improve life in rural communities. ERYS 2025 carries the theme “Together for Today,” focusing on the mental well-being of young people and intercultural dialogue as tools for building resilient and inclusive rural areas.

Why participate?

  • Take part in interactive workshops and discussions with representatives of local governments, the EU, and other experts.

  • Collaborate on turning policy recommendations from the first edition into concrete actions.

  • Gain hands-on experience and inspiration in rural development, inclusion, mental health, and youth work.

  • Contribute to expanding the European Youth Village program to other countries.

  • Connect with active young people and organizations from all over Europe.

First ERYS 2023

Who is the summit for?

Young people aged 16–30

who live in or come from rural areas of Europe – including students, workers, entrepreneurs, and activists.

Youth workers

experts from non-profit organizations and representatives of initiatives focused on rural development.

Policymakers

representatives of EU institutions, national and regional governments who want to learn more about the needs of rural youth.

Témy a formáty

Participants will take part in workshops, panel discussions, and collaborative creative sessions focused on four main themes:

  1. Youth Power

  2. Inclusion and Diversity

  3. Rural Development

  4. Mental Well-being

The event will culminate in the development of policy recommendations based on the experiences of young people and experts, with an emphasis on:

  • A holistic approach to the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of young people.

  • Supporting meaningful intercultural dialogue as a tool against isolation and for building mutual understanding.

Organisers

The event is organized by:

  • OZ Vidiecky parlament mladých na Slovensku (Rural Youth Parliament in Slovakia)

  • NIVAM – Slovak National Agency for Erasmus+ in the field of Youth and Sport

  • Romanian National Agency for Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps (ANPCDEFP)

  • ZEuropean Youth Village’s Governance (Active Development Association - ADA and Go Free Association)