Brussels, 17/04/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 17 April, Coreper reached an agreement on recommendations aiming to create a “youth guarantee”. These recommendations have still to be formally adopted by the Council. Although they are not legally binding, the recommendations reflect a strong political commitment on the part of the member states. The member states are urged to ensure that all young people under 25 are offered a quality job, ongoing training, apprenticeship or work placement within four months of losing their job or leaving formal education. The youth guarantee mechanisms are to be based on guidelines (approaches based on partnership, early intervention, support measures for entering the employment market, Union funds). Recommendations have been made to the Commission. 30.1% of all unemployed people under the age of 25 in the European Union have been out of work for more than 12 months. In the EU, there are 7.5 million young people out of work and not studying or in training, representing 12.9% of young Europeans (aged between 15 and 24). (LC/transl.fl)