By implementing the “Connecting the Rural World” (CMR) project, the aim was to foster transnational cooperation to address common problems in rural communities across Europe, such as digital illiteracy and the lack of employment opportunities. The project sought to train young people in the digital tools and skills needed to be competitive in the current labor market and to promote entrepreneurship in rural areas. It aimed to develop an educational platform that would offer courses on digital tool management and encourage the creation of digital projects in rural settings. Additionally, the project aimed to strengthen rural associations, increase social inclusion, promote economic resilience, and foster an entrepreneurial spirit among European youth, enabling them to remain in rural areas without urban migration being their only option. The project also sought to create a collaborative network of rural organizations to exchange knowledge and experiences, contributing to the sustainable and long-term development of these communities.
Youth unemployment in Europe reached alarming levels, especially in rural areas, due to the economic crisis caused by Covid-19, supply chain problems, war, and the lack of sustained growth. This situation led to a migratory flow from rural areas to urban centers in search of better opportunities, highlighting the urgent need for pragmatic solutions. CMR emerged as a social project to address the needs of rural youth in Europe, offering an inclusive and social space focused on education, employment, and development. To face these challenges, we defined a working methodology with phases of research and execution. The project aimed to generate practical solutions that would provide a promising future for rural youth, equipping them with the skills needed to compete in an increasingly competitive world. It also promoted the development of rural enterprises with digital approaches and the possibility of obtaining remote jobs, preventing migration to urban centers from being their only option.