The Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development will take part in the 2026 EU Youth Week kick-off event under the main theme ‘All in for change’.

If you are participating in this event on 24 of April in Brussels, and you are curious about getting involved in projects in rural areas, would like to share ideas, want to learn more about opportunities for youth and the Leader programme across Europe - pay a visit to our stand at the marketplace!

Join us to:

• explore how to get involved in your rural community with the Leader programme
• engage with our 8 young Local Action Group (LAG) ambassadors and learn about rural community and Leader projects first-hand
• meet with our inspirational speaker from DG AGRI during the networking event  from 12:45 to 14:00.
• exchange with us about the importance of rural youth for the future of lively rural areas

Follow us on our Instagram account @euagrifood or meet with us at the #EUYouthWeek marketplace on 24 of April.

The plenary session will be web streamed via the EU Youth Week portal.

The attractiveness of rural life for young people is fundamental to sustain vibrant and dynamic rural areas in Europe. Support for investments in infrastructure and services such as childcare, healthcare, transport and broadband are crucial for young people to be more likely to remain in, pursue a professional career in farming or set-up different types of businesses that can create economic opportunities and settle young population in rural areas.

Learn more about

The generational renewal strategy in EU agriculture

LEADER/CLLD

EU rural youth initiatives

Youth | Rural Pact Community Platform

EU CAP Network

• youth policy | common agricultural policy
• Friday 24 April 2026, 09:00 - 17:00 (CEST)
• Brussels, Belgium