S&D MEPs call for a strong European Youth Guarantee

S&D Euro MPs expressed mixed feelings on the youth guarantee proposed today as part of the European Commission’s employment package.

Said S&D Group leader Hannes Swoboda:

„I am pleased to see the European Commission taking up the idea of a youth guarantee – we have been campaigning for this guarantee for more than a year – but as it stands, it is not up to the challenge.

„We would have preferred a real European youth guarantee, backed with specific funding.

„A strong youth guarantee would be a powerful tool to fight unemployment among youngsters. It would guarantee that young unemployed people must be helped to find training, a job or pursue their studies.

„Austria has already successfully introduced the system. The country has one of the lowest levels of unemployment in Europe.

„Having heard the tone of the recent discussions on the future EU budget, I am concerned that the youth guarantee will remain an empty promise and may simply be sacrificed by member states.“

Said S&D Group spokesman for social affairs, Alejandro Cercas:

„With up to half of young people out of a job in several EU countries and 1in 4 across the whole EU, we need to take strong action now.

„For the first time in recent history, young people cannot look forward to a better life than their parents. A real European youth guarantee could be part of the solution in the fight against growing unemployment.“

Said S&D Euro MP and chair of the employment and social affairs committee Pervenche Berès:

„The resources from the European Social Fund should be used effectively at national level to reintegrate young people back into society and the workforce.

„We call on EU leaders to agree on a strong budget for the European Social Fund in the discussions on the future financing of the EU budget. At least 25% of the cohesion policy should be devoted exclusively to the European Social Fund.

„The youth guarantee scheme has become part of the annual growth survey. The European Commission must now ensure its effective implementation in specific national recommendations.“