A new policy brief titled “Future employment opportunities and changes in rural youth labour markets” has been published within the EURYO project, examining how employment opportunities for young people in rural areas across Europe are evolving. Researchers from the HÉTFA Research Institute, Luca Koltai and Kinga Tóth, contributed to the publication as members of the international research team.
The policy brief explores how structural economic changes, demographic trends, digitalisation, and environmental transitions are reshaping rural labour markets and influencing the prospects of rural youth. The report highlights that young people in rural areas often face persistent challenges, including limited local job opportunities, out-migration, and reduced access to higher education and professional training.
At the same time, the brief identifies emerging opportunities. The digital transformation, the expansion of remote work, changes in the agricultural sector, and the growth of the green and circular economy may create new pathways for employment and development in rural areas.
The authors emphasise that improving employment prospects for rural youth requires integrated rural development policies, stronger education and training systems, improved digital connectivity, and the active involvement of young people in shaping local development strategies.
The policy brief will be presented at an online webinar on 25 March at 15:00 CET.
Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/aLR7_XMeQfCbNcLzJWOUfA