Monday, April 13, 2026

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Centre for Sustainability and Economic Growth

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Galicia as a promoter of improving youth employment in rural Europe

CSEG

The Galicia Europa Foundation (FGE) organized the study visit to Galicia together with its partners in the project “RuralYouthFuture – Improving the role of youth policies for Rural Sustainable Development”, co-funded by the Interreg Europe Programme 2021-202. The meeting took place on June 11 and 12, 2025, in Sober, Quiroga and surrounding areas (Lugo). Representatives from seven project partner countries met to study and analyse the development of good practices aimed at improving youth employment in rural areas, implemented by Galician entities, institutions, associations, and stakeholders. A total of 49 people attended the event.

The meeting in Sober began with a welcome from local and regional representatives, who gave an overview of the rural environment in which we were immersed. First, the Directorate General for Youth presented its Youth Mentoring and Youth Mentoring in Business programs, which offer advice and training to young people between 18- and 30-years old seeking help finding their first job, with optimal results. Then, AGADER presented its project on “Development, Sustainability, and

 Modernization in Rural Areas,” which revitalizes the abandoned Galician countryside by creating jobs for young people. Following this presentation, a visit to Francos de Proendos was made, as an example of a model village, where two young livestock farmers presented the improvements implemented.

The afternoon program began with the presentation of the “Young Digital Ambassadors of SMEs” (DYAS) project by Eurocidade Chaves-Verin, which implemented digitalization in rural Galicia, promoting work and internships for people between 18 and 30 years old. Following this line, AMTEGA, with “Connectivity and Digital Skills for Local Development,” promotes digital adaptation and breaks down barriers to digital inclusion in rural areas. Next, within the “Promoting Innovation in SMEs” program, Daniel Pardo presented his company, Innogando, made up of young entrepreneurs who develop their economic activity in and for rural areas. It offers technological solutions to the livestock sector using smartwatches that monitor cow activity.

“Gamification to Empower Rural Youth,” with Daniel Dieguez, proposed the use of games to improve skills needed in the workplace. We concluded this session with Ana Adán of Action Against Hunger, discussing the program “Vives Aprende Xuventude: Inclusive Schools for Employment,” which provides training and employment opportunities for disadvantaged youth in rural areas.

On Thursday the 12th, the group travelled to Quiroga, where they were welcomed by local authorities and began presenting more best practices. TourGalia, through its brands, ensures a generational renewal that guarantees a future in the area. Big commitment to Rural. Mariña Cortés also explained her role within the organization as an IVY Volunteer and outlined the benefits this program offers to both young people and organizations.

Furthermore, throughout the day, attendees learned about the idiosyncrasies, interpretations, and appreciation of our rural territory in the inland areas of Sober, Quiroga, and Ribas de Sil. Here they learned firsthand about the heroic actions of those who choose and fight for the rural interior of Galicia. They learned about the imprint of our territory and the importance of winemaking in the region, promoted by our young winemakers.

The study visit fulfilled its proposed objective, highlighting the reality of young people who choose to live and work in rural Galicia. It allowed European partners to learn and discover the initiatives presented by young entrepreneurs, public and private entities. We hope that these sessions will inspire new initiatives and actively contribute to improving youth employment policies, aiming to become a starting point for strengthening not only policies but also promoting innovative solutions tailored to the local context in Galicia and Europe.

“Turn is funnier. Be more rural.” And above all, “The Future is Rural.”

If you’re interested in discovering further information about our efforts to open new possibilities and generate opportunities that will bring about a positive transformation in the lives of young people residing in rural areas, you can find us on the following social media platforms: