Sixth Stakeholders Meeting in Bulgaria under the “Rural Youth Future” project
On the 11th of February, 2026, the fourth stakeholders group meeting within the frame of the Rural Youth Future project – “Improving the role of youth policies for rural sustainable development”, co-funded by the Interreg Europe Programme 2021-2027, took place in Peshtera, Bulgaria. The event was hosted by the two Bulgarian partners, the Association “Centre for Sustainability and Economic Growth” (CSEG) and the Municipality of Peshtera.
The event gathered Bulgarian stakeholders at local and regional level. These were: representatives from the administration of Bratsigovo, the social department of Peshtera Municipality, the energy and environmental agency – REAP, the SMEs association (NEST), some local NGOs, and several educational administrations. Most of these organisations comprise high-quality experts in specific sectors such as environmental protection, sustainable energy, entrepreneurship, and policy making.
Experts from the Association CSEG briefly presented the main objectives of the project, exchanges of experience and upcoming project activities. Also, some best practices identified during the interregional study visits in different partner regions were showcased. Lessons learnt from the interregional seminar in Belgium, which was organised in October 2025, were also shared with stakeholders.
Special focus was given to the newly opened Municipal Youth Centre and to good practices from other remote EU regions that can be transferred to it. The main goal of this centre is to improve the educational and social activities of young people. Peshtera Municipality aims to expand the activities of the centre structure and include STEM-based activities targeting youths.
The meeting concluded with a discussion on the possible improvements of youth policies for rural sustainable development.
Presentation of the event and good practices from different partner regions
