European Rally 2026

 The European Rally 2026 will focus on exploring leadership in the age of artificial intelligence and digital transformation in rural areas. The programme will empower young people to critically engage with AI, understand its impact on society, and explore how it can be used responsibly to strengthen rural communities. Participants will gain the skills and confidence needed to take on leadership roles and actively shape the future of their communities in an increasingly digital world. 

  

Objectives of the project: 

1. Strengthening critical thinking skills among rural youth, enabling them to analyse and challenge AI-driven narratives and digital misinformation. 

2. Equipping participants with leadership skills to advocate for AI literacy, digital engagement, and democratic participation in their rural communities and exploring the role of AI in rural development, identifying both challenges and opportunities for young people in rural areas. 

3. Encouraging young people to take active roles in shaping digital narratives and promoting responsible AI use. 

  

Why attend? 

There are many reasons to join us this summer, but here are some of the most important: 

• Learn how AI is shaping our world and what it means for rural communities, 

• Develop leadership skills relevant for the digital age, 

• Gain tools to recognise misinformation and think critically about digital content, 

• Meet young people from all across Europe, 

• Take home practical knowledge you can apply in your organisation and local community, 

• And most importantly – spend a week learning and sharing together! 

The programme will feature interactive workshops, discussions, and hands-on activities focused on AI, leadership, and rural development. Using non-formal education methods and a strong emphasis on youth participation, the sessions will create a space for peer learning, collaboration, and practical experimentation with digital tools and content creation. 

  

Team Leaders 

The Team Leader must be aged over 18 years old (advised under 35) and is responsible for communication between the organisers and their national team before, during, and after the Rally. 

Tasks of the Team Leader will include: 

• Sharing all relevant information with their team members, 

• Supporting participants and ensuring a safe and inclusive environment, 

• Participating in daily team leader meetings, 

• Collecting and submitting all travel documents (tickets, boarding passes, and proofs of payment) to the organisers in a timely manner. 

Participants Profile 

Participants must: 

•  Be aged over 18 and under 30 years, 

•  Be active within a youth organisation or their local community, 

•  Be interested in leadership, artificial intelligence, digital tools, and rural development, 

•  Be able to communicate in English

Each organisation is responsible for organising travel for their national team. Travel plans must be coordinated and approved in advance with the organising team. All travel documents and invoices must be submitted before the indicated deadline. 

Interested candidates should contact their national member organisation of Rural Youth Europe. Registrations for the European Rally will open from mid-April 2026 and close at the end of May 2026.