Sonríe a Europa, aims to empower rural youth through a comprehensive approach that combines vocational training, environmental engagement and the development of civic skills. From a youth work perspective, this project seeks to create real and sustainable opportunities for participants to develop skills, competencies and values that enable them to become agents of change within their rural communities, promoting a more inclusive, green and sustainable Europe. We will foster the development of professional skills in key sectors that favour youth employment in rural areas, specifically in green and sustainable jobs. Youth unemployment rates in these areas are significantly higher than in urban areas, and the lack of job opportunities is one of the main factors for rural youth migration to cities. Through workshops, internships and work-based learning activities, participants will learn about green economy, rural entrepreneurship and sustainable employment. The aim is to equip them with practical tools that will enable them to create or access quality jobs within their communities, helping to stem the rural exodus. We also seek to promote active youth participation in decision-making and in designing solutions to the problems facing their own rural communities. When working with young people, it is essential that they feel part of the processes that affect their lives. The project will give them a space where they can express themselves, learn about active citizenship and community leadership, and directly participate in the creation of sustainable local projects. In doing so, we seek to foster a strong civic awareness among participants, which motivates them to get involved in building a more just and sustainable future in their areas of origin. From the perspective of youth practice, the aim is to strengthen social cohesion and the inclusion of young people at risk of exclusion, particularly those who face geographical, economic or social barriers. Many rural young people come from vulnerable contexts where access to education, employment and social resources is limited. The project is designed to be inclusive, ensuring that young people who would normally be left out of such initiatives are actively involved in all phases of the project. Through an inclusive methodology and ongoing support, these young people are not only expected to acquire new skills, but also gain confidence and a greater sense of belonging to their communities and to Europe. The next objective is to raise environmental awareness and encourage sustainable practices among rural youth. Rural areas are key in the transition towards a greener and more sustainable Europe, and young people must be prepared to lead that change. Through non-formal learning activities, participants will learn about the importance of environmental sustainability, the conservation of natural resources and the adoption of green practices in their daily lives and in their future professional careers. By raising environmental awareness from a local perspective, young people will be able to apply concrete solutions in their communities, thus contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at a global level. Finally, a cross-cutting objective of this project is to foster intercultural learning and international cooperation. In a context of increasing polarisation and social exclusion, it is crucial that young people, especially those in rural areas with fewer opportunities for mobility, have the opportunity to interact with peers from other countries, learn from their experiences and form international support networks. This not only broadens their cultural horizons, but also allows them to understand and value European diversity in all its forms, promoting greater social cohesion and respect for cultural differences. In summary, we focus on 3 European youth goals, a green and sustainable Europe, boosting rural youth and quality employment for all. And we aim to provide rural youth with the necessary tools to face contemporary challenges through the creation of green and sustainable jobs, fostering civic participation, the inclusion of at-risk youth and raising environmental awareness. By empowering these young people and giving them an active role in the development of their communities, we seek to create lasting change, not only in the direct participants, but also in the social, economic and environmental context in which they live. These objectives are aligned with youth work in promoting empowerment, active participation and sustainability.