The European Parliament today called on EU governments to implement a youth guarantee across Europe to reduce the level of unemployment currently affecting one young person in five.

Today’s resolution was adopted with an overwhelming majority and states that any unemployed European resident under 25 or graduate under 30 should be offered a decent job, continuing education or an apprenticeship within four months of becoming unemployed or leaving formal education.

Pervenche Berès, S&D Euro MP and chair of the employment and social affairs committee, who drafted the resolution, said:
« The level of unemployment among the young is simply unacceptable. Everything must be done to improve the situation. We need to do our utmost to give these young people a chance so they don’t become a lost generation.
« The fight against youth unemployment should be at the top of our agenda. We need to focus on EU citizens but also on EU residents who are the most vulnerable right now. »

« The introduction of a youth guarantee must be properly financed with European funds. Extra funding should be available for member states with higher levels of unemployment.

« But EU governments will have to show consistency, especially in the discussions on future financing for the EU budget. The European Social Fund should be allocated at least 25% of cohesion funds in the future. »

S&D group spokesman for social affairs, Alejandro Cercas added:

« We are glad that the campaign we began more than a year ago has been successful. Finally there is a majority who understand that there will be no future for Europe if there is no future for young people. Their future is our future. »

There are currently 7.5 million young people under 25 not in employment, education or training. The cost to national budgets is estimated at around €153 billion across the EU, roughly 1.2% of EU GDP.