EU-VILLAGE aims to strengthen youth participation in democratic and civic life by empowering rural and small-town youth to engage actively in dialogue and decision-making. The project addresses barriers such as exclusion, limited opportunities, and lack of access to policy processes. Through Youth Villages, transnational exchanges, and a European Forum, participants will develop advocacy skills, intercultural understanding, and resilience. The objectives are to increase the participation of disadvantaged youth in civic life, enhance competences such as critical thinking and collaboration, expand opportunities for mobility and action-led initiatives, and foster a stronger European identity. The project also seeks to build lasting cooperation between youth organizations and public authorities, ensuring that rural youth voices are connected to EU Youth Goals, particularly Goal #6 “Moving Rural Youth Forward” and Goal #9 “Space and Participation for All.”