Youth scheme will not tackle unemployment

Report of a hearing on youth unemployment in Europe at the European Parliament on the 1 April 2014.

In the EU youth unemployment is 24%, twice as high as the adult jobless rate. But some countries are struggling more than others. For example, in Greece and Spain, 59% and 56% of young people respectively struggle to find a job.

In 2013, as part of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2014-2020, EU leaders agreed to provide an additional €6 billion to support employment of people under the age of 25. The so-called Youth Employment Initiative (YEI), or Youth Guarantee scheme, now plays a crucial role in the EU labour market, with the additional funding frontloaded for the first two years of the financial framework.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Employment: 17 Member States have submitted Youth Guarantee Implementation Plans http://www.europeansources.info/record/memo-employment-17-member-states-have-submitted-youth-guarantee-implementation-plans/

ESO: Background information: Employment and Social Situation: Quarterly Review indicates little improvement despite first signs of recovery http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-employment-and-social-situation-quarterly-review-indicates-little-improvement-despite-first-signs-of-recovery/

ESO: Background information: EU measures to tackle youth unemployment http://www.europeansources.info/record/memo-eu-measures-to-tackle-youth-unemployment-2/

European Commission: DG Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion: European Employment Strategy: Youth employment http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=1036

European Parliament: European Parliamentary Research Service: At a Glance, 03.04.14: Youth Employment Initiative http://epthinktank.eu/2014/04/03/youth-employment-initiative/

EurActiv, 09.04.14: Youth Guarantee 'doesn't bring quality jobs' http://www.euractiv.com/sections/social-europe-jobs/youth-guarantee-doesnt-bring-quality-jobs-301413

---