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New study on the uses of youth indicators in EU member states released

On behalf of the European Commission DG Education and Culture, the consultancy company ECORYS has conducted a study on how indicators are being used in policy fields related to youth in EU Member States.

The study is a reaction to the European Commission's 2009 communication 'An EU strategy for Youth - Investing and Empowering: a renewed open method of coordination to address youth challenges and opportunities'. In particular, the communication emphasised the need for a cross-sectoral approach, which involves all key policy areas that affect Europe's young people and encourages a more research and evidence-based youth policy.

The general objective of the new study is to provide inputs, based on experiences and practices from member states, that will support the Commission in developing youth policy guided by concrete statistical data. According to the study, most member states recognise the added value of applying indicators in the youth field - but such data is still far from widespread. To resolve this problem, the study for example advises making better use of existing information in order to avoid unnecessary duplication and ensure cost effectiveness, a continuity and regular update of indicators, as well as widespread accessibility.

To investigate possible indicators in the eight different fields of action designated by the youth strategy, the Commission set up a working group bringing together various youth stakeholders. The European Youth Forum was actively involved in this process, contributing to discussions on indicators in areas such as education, employment, social inclusion and health. The Youth Forum considers the Commission's efforts to provide more indicators and statistical data as a step in the right direction. Such tools are essential in the elaboration of effective evidence-based policy that can improve the lives of young people in Europe.

 

 

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