Exploring Regional Youth Policies in Galicia, Spain
From 11 to 12 June 2025, the Galicia Europe Foundation, in collaboration with the General Directorate of Youth, Participation and Volunteer, will host the 7th interregional learning event and meeting in Santiago de Compostela in Spain, within the framework of the Rural Youth Future project, co-funded by Interreg Europe.
This unique event will showcase how regional youth employment policies, digital engagement initiatives, and immersive field experiences can empower young people to shape sustainable and inclusive futures in rural areas. This two-day visit will gather 10 project partners from across 8 European regions to share good practices, connect with local actors, and discover inspiring projects supporting rural youth.
The visit will open in Sober (Ribeira Sacra, Lugo) with a welcome by the lead partner and the technical committee, followed by regional and local authorities presenting key youth employment policies in rural Galicia. Good practices such as the “Xuventude Mentoring” programme and the DYAS project (Digital Youth Ambassadors for SMEs) will be introduced, illustrating how public institutions are creating bridges between youth and local economic development.
In the afternoon, the focus will shift to rural innovation and entrepreneurship. Participants will learn from Innogando’s innovative use of technology in the primary sector, gamification tools developed by Apoio Cooperativo SLU to engage rural youth, and the “Vives Aprende Youth” programme from Acción Contra el Hambre, which supports inclusive access to employment.
On the second day, the delegation will travel to Quiroga to explore successful rural initiatives, including TourGalia, the IVY Volunteer Programme, and Casa do Estanco, a boutique hotel revitalising rural heritage. Participants will also visit the Courel Mountains UNESCO Global Geopark and a local wine cellar, offering a glimpse into the region’s agroecological richness and its role in community-based revitalisation.
The study visit in Galicia will offer a valuable opportunity to highlight the need to better align policies with the real experiences of rural youth. Discussions, project showcases, and field experiences will underline the importance of creating opportunities that encourage young people to stay, return, or invest in their rural communities.
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