Following the College meeting on Wednesday 10 January, the European Commission Vice-President for Migration and Promoting our European Way of Life Margarítis Schinás, and the European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Iliana Ivanova, unveiled a series of innovative measures to involve young people more fully in the EU’s decision-making process.
Building on the momentum of the European Year of Youth 2022, the European Union is committed to strengthening the voice of young people in the political sphere. “2024 will be a pivotal year for the European project and young Europeans”, announced vice-president Schinás, underlining the importance of involving young people in the forthcoming European elections.
Youth Check, a new approach
The European Commission will introduce a “youth check”, an innovative initiative to systematically monitor the impact of EU policies on young people.
This approach will ensure that the needs and prospects of young people are taken into account in all aspects of European regulation. “We need a youth dimension in all the Commission’s policies”, insisted Mr Schinás, indicating a clear desire to place youth at the centre of the political agenda.
Strengthening dialogue and commitment
New initiatives will include a series of political dialogues between young people and European Commissioners, as well as round tables dedicated to the integration of young people.
Commissioner Ivanova stressed the importance of these discussions: “We want to pass on your perspectives, your ideas and your innovations”.
In addition, a platform for youth stakeholders will facilitate an ongoing exchange with youth organisations, researchers and EU institutions.
Concrete action in key areas
The Commission has highlighted a number of actions aimed at addressing the key concerns of young people in areas such as health, well-being, the environment, education and employment.
These measures include the development of a common European diploma, the updating of the quality framework for traineeships and the preparation of guidelines on well-being in schools.
A highlight: European Youth Week 2024
European Youth Week 2024, scheduled for 12 to 19 April, will focus on democratic participation and the European elections. “This is a key moment for European democracy and for young Europeans”, said Ms Ivanova, underlining the importance of this event in promoting the commitment and active participation of young people.
Year in review 2022
2022 was marked by over 13,000 activities involving more than 2,700 players across the EU. These initiatives have demonstrated the EU’s ability to mobilise and interact effectively with young people. “This shows us that we are capable of communicating with young people”, said Margarítis Schinás, acknowledging the positive impact of these efforts.
Journalists also raised concerns about the harmonisation of electoral systems within the EU and the role of young people in European elections. Margarítis Schinás replied that, although the EU cannot replace the constitutions of the Member States, it aims to harmonise what is possible. Iliana Ivanova stressed the importance of EU programmes such as Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps in demonstrating the added value of the Union to young people.
Electoral harmonisation, EU opportunities and youth employment
Finally, addressing the problem of youth unemployment, the Vice-President underlined the role of the European Diploma as a key initiative for the education and employability of young people, while pointing out that work is underway to ensure the quality and effectiveness of this project.
Read the Commission’s communication: https://aeur.eu/f/aby (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)