For our special and last episode of YEPs on the Ground, Kata Tüttő, President of the European Committee of the Regions explores how water policy connects with broader climate adaptation and biodiversity objectives at the local and European level. As access to clean and affordable water remains a pressing issue for many communities worldwide, she frames water access and affordability as urgent matters of social and environmental justice. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of YEPs on the Ground, we’re joined by Tugdual Le Lay, a former Young Elected Politician from Guingamp, France, and a representative of the Party of European Socialists at the European Committee of the Regions. With one foot firmly in his rural community and the other in the halls of Brussels, Tugdual shares what it means to bridge the local and the European; especially from the perspective of small towns. We explore how public services, rural identity, and community-led initiatives can be powerful tools for inclusion, and what the EU still gets wrong about rural life. Tugdual also reflects on the rise of Euroscepticism outside major urban centres and shares his own political journey; from the challenges of getting started in local politics to his vision for a more connected Union. Tune in for a thoughtful and grounded conversation about place, participation, and the power of young voices in shaping Europe’s future. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of YEPs on the Ground, we’re joined by Francisco Ferreira, a Young Elected Politician from Portugal and member of the Greens group at the European Committee of the Regions. Francisco shares his thoughts on one of the most overlooked barriers to youth political engagement: mobility. From the lack of transport options in rural areas to the role of digital spaces in shaping political communities, this conversation explores how accessibility, both physical and virtual, affects democratic participation among young Europeans. We also delve into his environmental advocacy and how transportation choices intersect with climate awareness and youth empowerment. Through his experience in local governance and green policy, Francisco offers practical insights and calls for a more connected, sustainable, and inclusive Europe. Tune in for a thoughtful episode on the links between place, politics, and the planet, through the eyes of a passionate young changemaker. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.