Counting on Youth

The deteriorating economic climate is expected to have a major impact on the living conditions of young people in terms of unemployment and education, making them more vulnerable to exclusion and less able to improve their lot.

© European Communities

To deal with these challenges, at its meeting on 16 February the Youth Council adopted some key messages concerning the European Youth Pact. The Pact was introduced in 2005, focussing on the employment, education and integration of young people and on the work-life balance. The suggestions will be presented to the Spring European Council in March as part of the reporting on the implementation of the Lisbon strategy.

The Council recommends better implementation of the Youth Pact, making it easier to move from education to working life and combating inactivity and unemployment, as well as paying greater attention to the importance of young people for creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship. The needs of young people with fewer opportunities and those living in poverty should be given high priority.

Empowering young people and creating favourable conditions for them to develop their skills, fulfil their potential, work and participate actively in society is essential for sustainable growth and development and social cohesion in the European Union.

More information:
Council Press release (pdf)
Council webcast of press conference

Forthcoming events:
Energy Council, 19 February 2008