Brussels, 19/11/2010 (Agence Europe) - For many young Europeans, growing up in an urban environment, in disadvantaged areas, is a handicap which affects their chances of integration. Hit hardest by the socio-economic crisis, they are held up to public criticism, with opinion demanding short-term progress on personal safety. These same young people are the main victims of violence, for which they are also considered to be the ones most responsible. Increasing levels of violence are being witnessed throughout Europe.
On Friday 19 November, the Youth Council held a debate on this very sensitive and current issue. Delegations spoke of their countries' experiences and of the initiatives taken in their towns and peripheral estates to try to address the situation. “Towns are places of creation and innovation. They are also places of social exclusion. When one considers the future of Europe, consideration has to be given to the future in major cities,” said Belgian minister Pascal Smet. “The future of our towns and cities depends on the integration of young people,” said Youth Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou. They have to be brought into the dialogue, and the advantages they can draw from non-conventional ways of learning have to be made clear to them. This approach will give young people greater self-confidence so that they can look to be part of the jobs market, the commissioner said. Most ministers highlighted the danger of over-generalising the situation and stressed that the needs of each group of young people had to be taken into account. Musical programmes, sports competitions, and educational and play schemes, which all promote positive values, are some of the effective ways to integrate young people into the community. Ministers highlighted the importance of socio-educational initiatives (on which they adopted a resolution) and hailed the efforts made by youth leaders. Young people in urban areas must have dedicated areas for themselves. They must also be represented and their views heard. If they feel they have their place, they will be more likely to play their full part in society. (I.L./transl.rt)