As part of ErasmusDays 2025 , the CONNECT-R project , led by the LAG Napoca Porolissum , organised a thematic event in Sâncraiu (Cluj County), a territory designated as a European Youth Village 2025. This choice of location is not insignificant: the youth community of Sâncraiu is particularly active and committed to local development.
The event brought together young people from the rural area, as well as mayors and deputy mayors from the municipalities within the Local Action Group (LAG), in a spirit of open and constructive dialogue. The objective: to strengthen youth participation in local democratic life and foster lasting cooperation between young people and decision-makers.
After a warm welcome, Alina Baba, head of the Napoca Porolissum LAG, opened the meeting by emphasizing the importance of creating spaces where the voices of rural youth are recognized and taken into account in decision-making processes. This introduction laid the groundwork for open and respectful discussions. The CONNECT-R project was then presented, highlighting its European ambition: to empower rural youth, train them for active citizenship, and enable them to participate in structured dialogue at the local and European levels.
A highlight of the day was the presentation of the Rural Youth Parliament, which generated considerable interest. This presentation demonstrated how such a mechanism can become a genuine tool for youth representation, expression, and participation, closely aligned with local realities.
The heart of the event was an open debate between young people and local elected officials . The young people shared their experiences, needs, and expectations for improving life in rural areas: access to opportunities, recognition of their ideas, and the creation of spaces for meeting and engagement. The decision-makers responded with attentiveness and transparency, acknowledging both the existing challenges and the need to involve young people more in shaping local policies.
These exchanges strengthened mutual trust and demonstrated that structured dialogue is a powerful tool for more inclusive and sustainable rural development. The meeting concluded with a summary of key takeaways and a presentation of the next steps for the CONNECT-R project, including the development of Rural Youth Parliaments and the continuation of participatory initiatives across the region.
