Brussels, 27/11/2012 (Agence Europe) - On 27 November, the Council of Ministers adopted conclusions on the participation and social inclusion of young people, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds. In 2011, more than half of all immigrants in the European Union were aged between 20 and 34. This situation has been further reinforced by the arrival since the end of 2010 of young immigrants from the southern Mediterranean, following the political upheavals in the region. Although young people in general have been the first to suffer from the fallout from the economic crisis, young immigrants, particularly young women, are those who suffer most in terms of access to education and the labour market, despite the ties that have already been woven with their countries of residence. The conclusions adopted emphasise that non-formal and informal forms of learning play a key role as a support instrument for social and economic inclusion of young people from deprived backgrounds, particularly immigrants. In this context, work orientated towards young migrants and youth leaders and organisations is particularly important, explained the Council.
Following the text's adoption, the Cypriot presidency launched a debate on the theme of mobility and diversity among young people. This was chaired by the Cypriot minister for education and culture, George Dimosthenous. The Commissioner for youth affairs, Androulla Vassiliou, explained that, “we should not consider that youth mobility has been accomplished. The crisis and the problems linked to funding for Erasmus prove this”. She also said that immigration provides the European Union with diversity, which was a challenge but which also provided advantages, new ideas, new perspectives and new impetus. Dimosthenous said that it is necessary to accept that diversity among young people is a source of wealth, and that understanding and mutual respect is required if we are to build a more harmonious society without exclusion in Europe.
The economic situation is particularly difficult in certain member states and is encouraging young people to search for jobs in other EU countries. The integration of these young people from other member states, as well as young people from immigrant backgrounds as a whole, constitutes a challenge for the respective host countries. It is imperative that these countries develop policies promoting the social inclusion of young people, on the basis of understanding and mutual respect. This process is a two-way street: on the one hand, social inclusion must provide young people with opportunities and the resources needed for them to fully participate in economic, social and cultural life and on the other hand, it implies that young people play a proactive role in the society in which they live, beginning with the local community. During the debate, all the different member states highlighted the need to provide young people from other member states and young immigrants with an appropriate educational framework, with the first objective being the learning of the host country's language, which was a prerequisite for successful integration. In an effort to create appropriate learning skills, close cooperation is required at regional and local levels, which includes actors on the ground, such as teachers and youth workers. Informal education provided by these youth organisations is crucial and must be given greater recognition by member states so that young people from different countries can put this knowledge to good use at a practical level. (IL/transl.fl)