Newsletter

Spotlight on European youth policy

Young people are our future. They play an essential role in driving social change and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our societies. It’s vital we ensure that they can be active in all parts of society and that we provide them with the opportunities to flourish.

When it comes to youth policy, the EU complements the action of Member States and promotes cooperation between them. The EU strives to ensure that young people’s views and needs are taken into account when it defines its policies. This is precisely the aim of the ‘youth check’ introduced by the European Commission last year, as well as the annual exchanges that all European Commissioners will organise with young people during the 2024-2029 mandate. Meanwhile, the EU Youth Dialogue allows young people to interact with policymakers on a range of topics, from rural life to sustainability, sharing their perspectives on these issues and helping shape EU policies.

Through its initiatives, the EU aims to support young people’s personal development and growth and encourages them to become active citizens. For example, the European Solidarity Corps programme offers those aged between 18 and 30 the opportunity to volunteer at home or abroad to help address societal and humanitarian challenges. Moreover, the Erasmus+ programme allows people to boost their skills by gaining professional and/or academic experience abroad.

The EU works to eradicate youth poverty and promote the social inclusion of young people. With the youth guarantee, the EU aims to ensure that all those under the age of 30 receive a good-quality job, apprenticeship, traineeship or continued education offer within 4 months of becoming unemployed or leaving education. Additionally, the aim, learn, master, achieve initiative supports people aged 18 to 29 that are not in any kind of employment, education or training to gain work experience in another Member State.

Our May newsletter puts the spotlight on European youth policy.

Enjoy the good reads!

The situation of young people in the European Union PDF/Paper

EU youth report 2024

What do young people think is the single most serious problem the world is facing right now? This report sheds light on multiple aspects of young people’s lives in the EU today, from employment and education to health and environmental activism.

Available in English

EU challenges and priorities PDF

Young people’s views: Eurobarometer report

This Flash Eurobarometer provides an overview of young people’s opinion on the EU’s strengths, challenges and priority areas. You can also see what they think about the state of democracy and the future of the EU.

Available in English

EU education, youth and sport policy PDF/Paper

Overview and future perspectives

This study for the European Parliament provides a comprehensive overview of the EU’s education and training, youth, and sport policy. Read about the existing and potential future challenges and opportunities, as well as recommendations for addressing them.

Available in English

Get involved! PDF

Make your voice heard: help shape the Europe you want

Young people make up one third of the European citizens’ panels, which can propose recommendations on future EU laws and initiatives. There are many ways they can help shape EU action across Europe and the world: from joining in on the Citizens’ Engagement Platform or learning about opportunities via the European Youth Portal to checking out the funding and support available for projects through the European Solidarity Corps. Find more information on opportunities for young people in the EU.

Available in all official languages of the EU

Integrating young voices in EU decision-making PDF

Including young perspectives in EU decisions is not just desirable, it is essential for creating policies that truly represent the future of Europe. See how the European Economic and Social Committee helps ensure that the voices of young Europeans are heard in the EU decision-making process.

Available in English and French