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Results of 1st phase structured dialogue consultations on youth employment out

Consultation results from fifteen National Working Groups on the issue of youth employment have been collected by the European Youth Forum on behalf of the European Steering Committee for the Structured Dialogue with youth. A preliminary analysis of their content shows difficult times for young people in Europe. With youth unemployment rates being twice as high as for the rest of the population, this indeed comes out as a major concern for young people.

The results of the National Working Groups show that quality education remains the most important factor in getting a job. While keeping their important social role, education systems should therefore better prepare for the labour market. In terms of improving employment opportunities, more investment in lifelong learning and in creativity and innovation are deemed necessary. However, few young people see themselves as entrepreneurs, partly due to lack of self-confidence and risk aversion, and partly due to a lack of trust from financial institutions.

Despite being more open to mobility, youth is generally seen as a cheap labour force. Precarious contracts, lack of legal frameworks for internships, requirements of previous working experience, and the need of an established network were seen as main barriers to finding a decent first job. Furthermore, young people experience multiple discrimination at hiring, be it because of ethnical or socio-economic background, disability, or simply because of the general negative image of young people. Finally, youth employment is considered a key factor for youth autonomy, which, when not reached, leads to a strong feeling of failure.

National consultations are held in each Member State to provide an overview of young people's expectations on youth employment in forehand of the EU Youth Conference starting on 13th April. The European Steering Committee consists of the European Youth Forum, the European Commission and the Trio presidency countries (SP-BE-HU). It will monitor and follow structured dialogue on youth employment over an 18 months period with the aim of achieving concrete political results.