The HiStory of MIJARC EUROPE
Catholic rural youth movements existed even before World War II, but it was after the war that the importance of connecting rural youth from different countries became clear. The goal was to foster international understanding and build a world with greater social and economic justice. In pursuit of this, movements from Flanders, Wallonia, France, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Switzerland, and Austria united to form the International Catholic Movement for Rural and Agricultural Youth—Mouvement International de la Jeunesse Agricole et Rurale Catholique, or MIJARC for short.
MIJARC's ambition was not only to represent rural and agricultural youth at a national level but to make their voices heard on the global stage, thus establishing its presence in multiple international bodies.
The 1960s and 1970s
With Europe changing rapidly, MIJARC Europe shifted its focus to address pressing new challenges. In the '60s, topics like the creation of the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957, market unification, and evolving migration policies took center stage. MIJARC Europe became a key platform for rural youth to engage in these critical discussions.One of MIJARC Europe’s proudest moments was in 1965, when it hosted the European Festival in Stuttgart, Germany, drawing over 20,000 young people from across Europe. It was a historic gathering, symbolizing the movement’s strength and unity.
The 1980s and 1990s
As Europe continued to evolve socially and politically, MIJARC Europe expanded its priorities. The organization led discussions on women’s roles in rural areas, international solidarity, the ethical implications of GMOs, and Europe’s future. These topics were addressed through seminars, training sessions, and a variety of other events that engaged thousands of young rural Europeans.
The 1990s: Expanding Eastward
After the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Bloc, MIJARC Europe extended its reach eastward. It began to establish connections with rural youth organizations in Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, and Latvia. To formalize these efforts, a special East-West Working Group was created, and bilateral partnerships were developed.
A significant milestone came in 1996, when MIJARC Europe gained independence from MIJARC World, becoming a legally autonomous organization. It was officially registered as an independent entity on November 28, 1996, in Belgium.
The 2000s
In the early 2000s, MIJARC Europe strengthened its influence through partnerships with the European Youth Forum (YFJ) and European Coordination Via Campesina (ECVC). These alliances elevated MIJARC’s international presence, especially in the realm of rural youth advocacy.
In 2005, MIJARC Europe joined forces with Rural Youth Europe (RYE) for a pilot project supported by the European Commission. Representing over 700,000 rural young people from more than 30 countries, MIJARC Europe helped bring the voices of rural youth to the forefront of European policy discussions. Despite the ongoing struggle to have their views fully integrated into EU agricultural and rural policies, MIJARC Europe remained steadfast in its commitment to rural youth.
2010-2020
In the 2010s, MIJARC Europe continued to expand its network, forming partnerships with youth organizations in Armenia, Romania, and Malta, gaining valuable insights into the different ways youth participation is lived out across Eastern and Western Europe.
The organization also became heavily involved in Erasmus+ programs, focusing on Key Actions 1 and 3, and remained a reliable partner for the European Youth Foundation. Through these partnerships, MIJARC Europe offered learning opportunities abroad and supported the development of youth activism and advocacy across the continent.
COVID-19 and Beyond
The COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges for youth organizations worldwide, and MIJARC Europe was no exception. However, the organization quickly adapted by moving its activities online, ensuring that its mission continued despite the disruptions.
During this period, MIJARC Europe also participated in the Our Food Our Future project, led by Christliche Initiative Romero (CIR) and supported by the European Commission’s DEAR Programme. This project focused on promoting a sustainable, human rights-based, and agroecological food system.
As pandemic restrictions eased, MIJARC Europe resumed in-person activities, with a renewed focus on civic participation, equality, and inclusivity for young people living in rural areas.
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Empowering Rural Youth, Shaping a Just Future