Background

YOUNG BUT EVOLVED

Now more than 20 years old, European youth policy is itself still a relatively young being. When the non-formal learning programme Youth for Europe was created in 1988, foundations were laid for the youth programmes of today – but while much has changed since then, many of the founding principals have stayed the same.

In 1986, the often-forgot vocational training programme Comett was adopted, followed the year after by the more famous Erasmus study-abroad scheme.

Then came Youth for Europe, evolving successfully throughout the 1990s, over which period another landmark scheme was launched, in 1996.

The European Voluntary Service, celebrating its 15th birthday this year, has been a cornerstone of European youth strategy, making it possible for thousands of young people to volunteer abroad on world-changing projects every year.

“Learning in a classroom is fine, but other learning experiences are also valuable”, says Pascal Lejeune, Head of the Youth in Action unit at the European Commission.

“For example, spending some time abroad to develop a concrete project with young people from other countries is a valid and enriching learning experience that can also strengthen your feeling of being a European.”

By the year 2000, non-EU members were already participating in European youth programmes. Today, Turkey, Croatia, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland (which became the latest country to join the Youth in Action programme in January) are involved alongside the 27 member states of the EU – and collaborations with neighbouring countries of the EU, as well as countries throughout the world, are commonplace.

SECOND GENERATION

The launch of a second generation of programmes in 2000 saw the introduction of the YOUTH scheme, designed to encompass Youth for Europe and EVS and increase the quality of its projects.

By then, the growing trend for cross-border cooperation meant it was time for politics to bring some order to matters.

“What those programmes proved was that action was the first step and policy developments followed”, says Lejeune.

“Through these programmes, the Union brought a concrete support to numerous initiatives developed by and for young people – but we also created an appetite for Europe and forced people to work together. Naturally, the next step was politics.”

YOUTH was succeeded in 2006 by the current Youth in Action, following the European Commission’s milestone 2001 White Paper on Youth. Some 15 years after the first youth programme began, the White Paper put special emphasis on promoting ‘active citizenship’ among young people, through participation, information, and volunteering.

The 2005 European Youth Pact, a political instrument focusing on employment and social inclusion, was another key point in bringing European youth policy up to date.

PRESENT DAY

The youth programmes that began in the 1980s have now evolved into a vibrant range of schemes. Youth in Action has a total budget of €885 million for the seven years from 2007-2013, supporting an ever-widening range of activities for young people through its five Actions. It also now pays greater attention to youth workers and incorporates support for youth NGOs.

Like its predecessors, the programme is largely managed through National Agencies established in the 33 participating countries, creating an international network that supports young people day to day.

So, while the ideas behind youth action in Europe have stood the test of time, the key to success has been to evolve and adapt.

That’s why European Youth Week is not just a time for celebrating the progress of the continent’s youth programmes, but also a chance to continue that advance and to shape its future.

Europe’s natural riches are its people and – as with any resource – says Lejeune, they need proper support.

“We’re facing the reality of an aging society and youth cannot be forgotten”, adds Lejeune.

“Young people are our future and we must invest in them! They will have to face many challenges in the years to come so we had better prepare and support them well.”

For more information on European Youth policies, check out the European Commission’s Youth and Youth in Action pages.