UNDER 30'

Rural youth transitions

This episode of UNDER 30 reviews the EU-Council of Europe youth partnership’s new study on rural youth transitions before and after COVID-19. The guests - Francisco Simões, co-author of the study and Ketrin Kastehein from Rural Youth Europe -  highlight data on changing opportunities, challenges, and transitions to adulthood for rural youth. They discuss slower progress and persistent gaps in education, jobs, and infrastructure, especially for young women and remote regions. Informal networks—family, friends, and youth organizations—emerge as critical support systems. The conversation addresses improvements needed in national and EU policies, such as access to digital tools, funding, and program outreach. Recommendations include creating multi-functional community spaces and ensuring Erasmus+ and youth programs reach rural youth more effectively. Links: Research on rural youth - https://pjp-eu.coe.int/en/web/youth-partnership/research-on-rural-youth [https://pjp-eu.coe.int/en/web/youth-partnership/research-on-rural-youth]

Youth brain drain

In this episode of UNDER 30, we explore the challenge of youth brain drain from the Western Balkans, the Eastern Partnership, and Türkiye. Our guests Gökay Özerim and Samir Beharić explain why so many young, educated people are leaving, what this means for societies and youth work, and the hidden drivers behind the trend. We also discuss the demographic and social consequences across these regions, and look at the policy responses needed to address the issue. Host: Dariusz Grzemny *All references to Kosovo, whether the territory, institutions or population, in this episode shall be understood in full compliance with United Nations' Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo. Link: Youth brain drain from the Western Balkans, the Eastern Partnership and Türkiye [https://pjp-eu.coe.int/documents/42128013/47261953/Youth%20brain%20drain%20from%20the%20Western%20Balkans%2C%20the%20Eastern%20Partnership%20and%20T%C3%BCrkiye.pdf/5ff85242-186b-1bd8-3d32-b51ebc731eef?t=1730125145858]

Youth mainstreaming and youth perspective(s)

This episode explores the evolving concepts of youth mainstreaming and youth perspective(s). Researchers Marco Kovačič and Tomaž Deželan emphasize that youth are not a homogeneous group, so it's essential to consider plural perspectives. The podcast contrasts these  terms with traditional ones like youth participation, showing how the new concepts better address policy integration. Case studies from Austria, Germany, and Croatia highlight varied national and local approaches. International organizations like the UN, OECD, and OSCE are also engaging in youth mainstreaming, though coordination among them remains limited. The episode concludes with the following recommendations: ensure political mandates, build coordination infrastructure, and create meaningful mechanisms for youth input in policy processes. Hosts: Dariusz Grzemny and Tanya Basarab (EU-Council of Europe Youth Partnership) Links: Youth Mainstreaming: the international perspective [https://pjp-eu.coe.int/documents/42128013/47261632/Youth%20Mainstreaming%20International%20perspective.pdf/7f9ac8de-936f-64d0-5f26-3577ea2318d7?t=1751015832533], by Tomaž Deželan, Slađana Petković and Marti Taru (2025) Learning from national and local approaches to youth mainstreaming and the use of youth perspective in policy making across Europe [https://pjp-eu.coe.int/documents/42128013/47261806/Youth%20mainstreaming_youth%20perspectives%20final.pdf/48eeeb95-b578-05f1-a41b-5f6b4e812774?t=1747905417986] by Dan Moxon, Marko Kovačić and Veronica Ștefan (2025)

Quality youth work

In this episode, we explore findings from a new study on quality tools in youth work across 15 European countries. The discussion reveals that most national frameworks focus on structural policies and funding, with few practical tools for local youth workers. Notably, young people's voices are rarely included in defining quality, despite being central to youth work. Our guest highlights the need for more youth participation and practical, locally relevant approaches.  Guests: Tomi Kiilakovski, Tanya Basarab Host: Dariusz Grzemny Link to the study: https://go.coe.int/GASb5

Young people's mental health and well-being

This episode of UNDER 30, the podcast of the European Union - Council of Europe youth partnership, delves into the topic of youth mental health and wellbeing. The discussion features Aagje Rottiers from Ambrassade in Belgium and Paavo Pyykkönen from the Finnish National Agency for Erasmus Plus and the European Solidarity Corps. We explore the increased importance of youth mental health post-pandemic, the role of youth work in supporting mental health, and specific initiatives like training modules for youth workers. Lana Pasic from the EU-Council of Europe youth partnership highlights the findings from ongoing studies and the role of youth organizations in providing mental health services. The episode also emphasizes the need for youth workers to understand their limits, recognize when to engage professional mental health services, and develop essential competencies to support youth mental health effectively. Host: Dariusz Grzemny Links: Seminar on youth mental health and well-being [https://pjp-eu.coe.int/en/web/youth-partnership/seminar-on-youth-mental-health-and-well-being]