Across Europe, many young women leave rural and remote areas not because they want to, but because opportunities for education, employment, entrepreneurship, public participation and access to essential services are often limited. These patterns contribute to demographic decline, skills shortages and growing regional inequalities, making it increasingly important to understand what can help young women build their futures in the places they call home. The concept of the “Right to Stay” reflects this ambition: ensuring that remaining in a rural or remote community is a genuine choice rather than a necessity driven by a lack of opportunities.
Visionary Analytics has recently launched a new study for the European Parliament titled “The Right to Stay: Young Women in the EU’s Remote and Rural Areas.” The study will examine the structural barriers that limit young women’s economic, social and political participation across the EU and assess how European policies, particularly Cohesion Policy and its funding instruments, can better address these challenges. The findings will help shape future discussions on gender equality, territorial cohesion and rural development.
Understanding what works and what doesn’t
The research will distinguish between the challenges faced in rural and remote areas, analyse demographic and socio-economic trends, map the main EU policy instruments supporting young women, and evaluate how the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) have contributed to creating opportunities during the 2014–2020 and 2021–2027 programming periods. The study will also identify successful regional and local initiatives that can inspire future policy design.
To build a robust evidence base, Visionary Analytics will combine desk research, statistical analysis, an assessment of Cohesion Policy investments through the Kohesio database, an EU-wide call for good practice examples, and in-depth case studies from across Europe. These complementary methods will allow the team to identify both the scale of the challenges and practical solutions that have proven effective in different territorial contexts.
Contributing to the future of EU regional policy
The study is designed to support the European Parliament’s Committee on Regional Development (REGI) as it considers how future EU policies can better respond to demographic change and territorial inequalities. Its recommendations will inform discussions on the post-2027 Cohesion Policy, the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework, and the forthcoming European Commission “Right to Stay” Strategy. The project will be completed towards the end of 2026, with the final study expected to be presented at a dedicated REGI Committee event during Gender Equality Week.
