Austria
Focus Groups & Interviews
In the town of Judenau-Baumgarten, two lively focus group meetings took place, bringing together young people aged 18-30 and youth workers. The discussions revolved around rural life, European programs, and the idea of establishing youth clubs and info desks.
Key Findings
- - Demographics: With an average age of 21.9 years, participants hailed from tiny villages with populations as small as 35 to towns with up to 16,000 residents. Most were either employed or pursuing their education.
- Opportunities & Awareness: While 78% had heard of the Erasmus+ program, only 31% had experienced international youth activities. The internet and social media were their primary sources of information, indicating a gap in local youth association engagement.
- - Challenges: Participants reported a stark lack of dedicated youth spaces and events, feeling that local communities often overlooked their needs. Public transport was a major issue, with some commuting up to two hours one way.
- Youth Spaces: A hopeful 54% expressed interest in dedicated youth spaces, and 63% were eager to help create youth clubs. They stressed the need for motivated peers, community support, and accessible locations.
- - Satisfaction & Needs: Rural life satisfaction stood at 69%, with nature and tranquillity being major perks. However, close-mindedness, racism, poor public transport, and limited facilities were significant drawbacks. Young people wanted better public transport, more youth-focused events, and greater involvement in decision-making.
Recommendations for Policymakers
Improve public transport connections. Invest in youth centres and training programs. Increase information events about Erasmus+ and other opportunities. Ensure fair salaries for youth workers. Empower young rural women and increase their involvement.
Hungary
Focus Groups & Interviews
In Hungary, two dynamic focus groups—one Hungarian-speaking and one English-speaking—were held, involving young rural people and youth workers. Additionally, interviews with 15 rural residents provided a rich tapestry of insights.
Key Findings
- Demographics: Most participants were aged 18-25, with a small group over 26. Many were university students or employed, though 18.2% were NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training).
- - Opportunities & Awareness: Participants were well-aware of various international programs like Erasmus+, Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs, and the European Solidarity Corps. Impressively, all had participated in international youth activities, mainly through Erasmus+.
- Challenges: Limited local opportunities and youth spaces were significant issues, compounded by long commutes and financial constraints. Many felt unprepared to establish youth clubs or info desks due to lack of confidence and experience.
- - Youth Spaces: There was a strong desire to create youth clubs, with 90% ready to collaborate. Needed resources included mentorship, financial support, and knowledge about funding.
- Satisfaction & Needs: While generally satisfied with rural life, participants highlighted the lack of self-enhancement opportunities and extensive travel requirements as key disadvantages. Benefits included proximity to nature and lower living costs.
Recommendations for Policymakers
Consult youth to understand their needs. Support entrepreneurship among youth. Increase visibility of short-term projects. Emphasise non-formal education. Improve public transport and accommodation support. Focus on sustainability and mental well-being.
Italy
Focus Groups & Interviews
In the heart of Sardinia, Italy, two focus groups were held with young people and youth workers from rural areas, focusing on youth engagement and development. The sessions were vibrant, reflecting the participants' enthusiasm for making a difference.
Key Findings
- - Demographics: The average age was 22.4 years, with most participants coming from rural areas facing depopulation. Many were from villages with populations of 800 or fewer.
- Opportunities & Awareness: 80% knew of Erasmus+, and 60% had participated in international activities. Local youth organisations and the internet were their primary sources of information.
- - Challenges: A glaring lack of youth spaces and events, with bars being the main gathering place, highlighted the need for more structured youth engagement. 90% expressed a strong desire for dedicated youth spaces.
- Youth Spaces: 80% were willing to help create youth clubs, but they needed financial resources, institutional support, and suitable locations.
- - Satisfaction & Needs: Satisfaction with rural life averaged 6.3 out of 10. Advantages included clean air and close-knit communities, while disadvantages were the lack of transport, isolation, and insufficient youth activities.
Recommendations for Policymakers
Improve public services and transport connections. Enhance management of public spaces and infrastructure. Increase meaningful activities for youth. Update towns with new technologies and activities.
Common Themes and Recommendations
Despite the unique cultural and geographical contexts, several common themes emerged across Austria, Hungary, and Italy. Rural youth consistently highlighted the need for more dedicated youth spaces, better public transport, and greater opportunities for engagement and development. There was a shared enthusiasm for international programs like Erasmus+ but also a recognition of the barriers to participation, such as financial constraints and lack of local support structures.
Unified Recommendations for Policymakers
- - Invest in Youth Spaces: All three countries reported a lack of dedicated youth spaces. Investment in such spaces could provide safe, supportive environments for young people to meet, collaborate, and engage in meaningful activities.
- Improve Public Transport: Reliable public transport is crucial for connecting rural youth with opportunities in larger towns and cities. Enhanced transport links could significantly improve access to education, employment, and social activities.
- - Support Youth Initiatives: Providing financial support, mentorship, and training can empower young people to start their own clubs, info desks, and projects. This support is vital for building confidence and skills.
- Increase Visibility of Opportunities: More effective dissemination of information about programs like Erasmus+ can help rural youth take advantage of these opportunities. This could include more info desks, school visits, and online campaigns.
- - Encourage Community Involvement: Young people want to be involved in decision-making processes that affect their lives. Policymakers should create platforms for youth to voice their opinions and participate in local governance.
Conclusion
The Creating EU Villages project sheds light on the aspirations and challenges of rural youth in Austria, Hungary, and Italy. Despite facing significant obstacles, these young people are eager to engage, learn, and contribute to their communities. By addressing their needs for better infrastructure, more opportunities, and greater support, policymakers can foster vibrant rural communities where youth can thrive.
