Youth Forum launches work on social inclusion

Youth organisations met at the OECD headquarters in Paris to kick-start the European Youth Forum’s work on social inclusion of young people.

The meeting took place on 29th and 30th of October and saw 12 of the Youth Forum’s member organisations, as well as the European Network for Independent Living (ENIL) get together to discuss social inclusion measures, particularly looking at social security systems in Europe and the extent to which they support young people.

This input will feed into the Youth Forum’s policy position on the topic as well as an in-depth research report, which will published in Spring 2016.

The task force was split into three sessions. The first examined the situation of young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs) in Europe. This was an opportunity to discuss the challenges with current policy responses, looking at issues such as hidden youth poverty, with the input of OECD experts.

The second session was on labour market institutions and explored young peoples’ access to unemployment benefits and other forms of social assistance. Due to their lack of contribution to the system, young people are often not eligible for unemployment benefits, or – if eligible – they often get a lower amount of benefits because of their age. Furthermore, many do not take up the benefits they are entitled to because there is not enough information on the support available.

Finally, the taskforce examined the issue of pensions, including the challenges that will face young people when it comes to their retirement, given the ageing population and labour market.

The taskforce was an excellent opportunity to debate the specific barriers that are stopping young people from being active and included citizens- not just in the labour market, but in society as a whole. The taskforce shed light on the idea that welfare state systems in Europe are currently not in line with the reality of young peoples’ situation and that changes are therefore needed.

Participants also discussed best practice in Europe, and in particular examined inclusive government measures to do with migration and disability.

The European Youth Forum was delighted to have such input for its work on social inclusion of young people, which is a vital issue, given the precarious situation of many young people – and given the fact that youth is now the age group most at risk of poverty and social exclusion.