Brussels, 17/09/2012 (Agence Europe) - The participation of youth organisations and young people in the decision-making process is vital for the functioning of democratic and inclusive societies, stressed participants of the third youth conference of the EU, which was held in Nicosia from 11 to 13 September, under the Cypriot Presidency and with the involvement of Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou, who is responsible for youth issues amongst others, and with the support of the European Youth Forum.
Talks focused on combating negative behaviour towards young people from migrant backgrounds, the right of these young people to take part in democratic life, the role of youth organisations and educational structures in social inclusion and equal opportunities for all young people. Stressing that young people have been the greatest victims of the economic crisis, Vassiliou said: “the challenge in our dialogue is (…) to identify what constitutes an inclusive society for all, a society which allows access for all young people, including young migrants, to education and training, employment and health care”. Recommendations were published after the event, and these will be adopted by the European Ministers for Youth at their forthcoming meeting on 22 November. (IL/transl.fl)