WHAT’S THE EU’S STAND?

 

Young people’s autonomy, wellbeing and access to rights are directly impacted by decisions made across many areas. The EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027 sets the framework on how policies affecting young people are decided in the EU. 

 

Core aspects of this Strategy include: quality employment for all, mental health and well-being, ensuring young people have better access to reliable information and quality learning, amongst others issues. 

The European Pillar on Social Rights aims for societies to be more fair and equal, improve work-life balance conditions and ensure all citizens has the opportunity to thrive and live a balanced life. The core of this strategic policy is captured in 20 key principles and further translated into action plans, legislation and funding opportunities at national and local levels.

Find some highlights below…

 

YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT 

 

Unemployment is higher among young people than other age groups. Young people are also worse affected by long-term unemployment and are far more likely to experience the instability of temporary contracts and part-time jobs.

 

All EU countries have committed to the implementation of the reinforced Youth Guarantee Scheme. It aims to ensure that all young people under 25 are offered a job, further education, an apprenticeship or traineeship within 4 months of leaving education or becoming unemployed.

 

Plus, programmes such as the European Solidarity Corps allow you to take up a traineeship in another country. In addition to your salary, the EU helps you with the cost of travelling and relocating.

 

SOCIAL EXCLUSION

 

Around 109 million people are still ‘at risk of poverty or social exclusion’ in the European Union – a quarter of the population. 

 

Fighting poverty and social exclusion is a key priority for the European Union. The EU supplements its Member States’ own aid for those most in need in Europe with the €3.8 billion Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD). 

 

The coronavirus crisis poses specific risks to the most deprived and an unparalleled challenge to the actions supported by the FEAD. 

 

To protect the most vulnerable and the workers and volunteers delivering the aid from falling victims to this disease, exceptional measures need to be taken urgently to provide them with the necessary protective equipment. The fund is being adapted to meet this challenge. 

 

During the crisis, the fund will be 100 % EU-financed, including covering the 15 % normally paid by Member States.

 

NEXT GENERATION EU 

 

EU is also investing in building back stronger and more resilient communities after the COVID-19 pandemic. The Next Generation EU is the largest economic instrument designed to boost the economy. 

 

It covers priority areas such as research and innovation, just digital and climate friendly transitions and a new European Health programme…