The Committee continues its commitment on working for Youth. It recently proposed to the European Commission to reinforce its policies supporting the employment of young people in anticipation of the work programme of the European Commission for next year. Specifically, it pleads for an action plan based on concrete measures.
Within the EESC’s proposals, «Youth Employment» is a key priority with four axes:
Promote apprenticeships Propose a European action plan to foster apprenticeships, based on existing best practice in the EU. Reinforce the Youth Guarantee by extending its application up to the age of 30 and its eligibility for ESF financing to more regions, providing the needed resources. Improve the recognition of professional experienceRequest to Member States a common definition of the concept of «professional achievements and experience».
This proposal is reinforcing the current work of the Commission on a proposal on a quality benchmark for traineeships in Europe. It would in addition be useful to develop a European reference framework for the recognition of young people’s qualifications obtained outside the education system or professional experience, regardless of form or duration (including seasonal jobs, traineeships, volunteer work, etc.).
Promote entrepreneurship among youthMake the culture of entrepreneurship an integral part of education and vocational training.Make the access to finance easier for young people with a business plan: develop and raise awareness of new financial instruments such as Mezzanine financing, microcredit, and crowd funding.
In a situation where Europe needs competitiveness, growth and job creation, it is essential to foster entrepreneurship and an entrepreneurial culture in the broad meaning of the term. Surveys have shown that only 37% of Europeans are attracted by the idea of starting a business, whereas in China and the United States this proportion exceeds 50%.
Create a minimum income for all people without resourcesPut the minimum income systems which already exist in a number of European countries, on an institutionalised, regulatory basis, which can be adjusted to the situation of each country, through a European framework directive.
It is important not to forget that young people are among the first victims of poverty in Europe, which is a genuine obstacle to insertion.
Click here to discover the EESC contribution to the 2014 work programme of the European Commission.
