EU youth strategy: give young people stronger voice, say MEPs

Young people are the key to policymaking

Youth dimension should be built into decision-making processes

Prepare for the new EU youth strategy post-2027

On Tuesday, Parliament adopted recommendations for better integration of young people’s perspectives across all EU policy areas.

MEPs call on the Commission and EU countries to develop youth mainstreaming, i.e. the systematic consultation of young people and integration of their views in all stages of policymaking, as the principle has so far been “applied unevenly across Member States”.

Although MEPs welcome the achievements of the 2019-2027 European Union youth strategy (EUYS), which supports social and civic engagement for young people, they consider that improvements could be made with, for example, the introduction of youth checks throughout the policy cycle.

Young people are key to policymaking

MEPs stress that rather than being treated as mere beneficiaries or consultees, young people must be seriously involved in policymaking, contribute to the identification of youth-relevant files, help design forward-looking policies and ensure follow-up. They consider that a youth perspective, rooted in current and emerging youth priorities, is essential in key areas such as housing, digital and media policies, democratic engagement and civic empowerment, wellbeing and mental health, and arts and culture.

Specifically on health and mental health, areas that are among young people’s key concerns, stronger cross-sectoral mainstreaming at EU level is needed to address current institutional gaps, in addition to public health interventions, school-based support and community-based initiatives, say MEPs.

Prepare the new EU youth strategy

Structural youth unemployment, and the housing crisis, which affects young people disproportionately, are among the current issues that will need to be tackled in the EU’s next youth strategy. Other priorities include the need to promote youth entrepreneurship and start-ups, ensure accessible and affordable mental health services, and do more to protect young people online by addressing addictive design.

MEPs want to see a reduction in the structural inequalities affecting young people’s lives, including geographical disparities, and call on Commission and EU countries to bolster high-quality education, while supporting learners at risk of early school leaving.

The report on the implementation of the 2019-2027 EU youth strategy was adopted by 477 votes in favour and 124 against, with 66 abstentions.

Quote

The rapporteur Sabrina Repp (S&D, DE) said: “Young people want a real say in the decisions that shape their future. We need to make sure that their voices are heard across all areas of EU policymaking and that every young person has the same opportunities, regardless of their background or where they grow up. With this report, we are setting clear priorities for the EU’s next youth strategy: meaningful participation, equal opportunities, and a Europe that young people can actively help shape.”

Background

The EUYS has provided the structure for EU youth policy cooperation from 2019 to 2027 and operates in three-year work cycles. It aims to improve young people’s wellbeing by creating more and better opportunities in education, employment, civic participation, and inclusion.