The right to stay, the right to move: Young people’s views on the future of im/mobility in rural areas

The European Rural Youth Observatory (EURYO) has published its first policy report entitled "The right to stay, the right to move: young people's views on the future of immobility in rural areas", a document that gathers reflections from young people from different countries on their relationship with mobility and remaining in rural communities.

This policy brief examines young people’s views on the future of mobility and immobility in rural areas across four countries: Italy, Portugal, Sweden, and Türkiye. By considering future views on both mobility and immobility (i.e., henceforth im/mobility), our goal was to explore young people’s opportunities and capabilities to leave, stay in, and return to rural areas.

Across the four contexts, participants envisioned a future where rural areas are more responsive to their diverse needs, aspirations, and identities, and where they have greater flexibility and agency. Both mobility and immobility were seen as part of a dynamic, self-directed process rather than a static state and as a social right that is often constrained by structural factors. Participants from Italy and Türkiye also emphasised the importance of gender dynamics, family ties, and traditional values, as these factors are likely to continue shaping im/mobility in the future. Based on the findings, three main implications and recommendations are discussed.

Firstly, we propose a shift in how im/mobility is perceived and framed in research, policymaking, and community interventions. Im/mobility should be approached as a right and a self-directed continuum.

Secondly, while specific policies targeting im/mobility are needed, these should focus on the structural barriers to im/mobility. This means that addressing im/mobility is impossible without considering other key issues, such as education and employment opportunities, housing conditions, and the cost-of-living crisis.

Finally, facilitating a youth-based rights approach to rural im/mobility requires a concerted effort to create opportunities for rural youth to imagine and co-construct policies addressing issues relevant to them, such as im/mobility.

You can view the full report here.