The Swedish Presidency of the EU Council presented, on Monday 27 February, a revised and preliminary version of its proposal for conclusions on the ‘Social Dimension of a Sustainable Europe for Youth’, of which EUROPE has obtained a copy. A text that links political participation with education on social inclusion and sustainable development issues, with a focus on mental health, in line with Swedish educational ambitions (see EUROPE 13115/16, 13094/15).
Stockholm calls on the Member States to enable meaningful participation of youth organisations and young people in the policy-making process. In particular, the text introduces the concept of the “rights-based youth perspective” of the Swedish Agency for Youth and Civil Society. The aim is to “create conditions to include young people in the general development of society, both from their own initiatives and from the initiatives of decision-makers”. An approach that is particularly relevant to public transport and affordable and accessible housing, the conclusions state.
The Swedish Presidency also emphasises the need to train youth workers to address issues of social inclusion and sustainable development, enabling young people to eventually make their own informed choices.
Furthermore, it calls on EU countries and the European Commission to use the full potential of Erasmus+, the European Solidarity Corps and the ESF+ to foster mobility projects with a special focus on the participation of young people with fewer opportunities.
Finally, Sweden prioritises mental health, promoting prevention, equitable access to quality care services and education (“mental health literacy”).
To consult the text: https://aeur.eu/f/5in
At the same meeting, the Swedish Presidency also presented a revised ‘EU Youth Strategy Work Plan 2022-2024’. To consult the work plan: https://aeur.eu/f/5io (Original version in French by Hélène Seynaeve)