Over 250 young Europeans from all 27 member states have spent two days discussing youth unemployment in the European Parliament, in a conference organised by the Group of the Socialists and Democrats.

 

The participants drafted an appeal to heads of state and to the European Commission, including 15 points they want to send to political leaders on how to give hope back to young Europeans and create job opportunities for all.

 

This appeal demands a European Youth Guarantee and calls for other young Europeans to get together to prepare a European Citizens' Initiative. It also calls for the implementation of the Charter for Quality Internships & Apprenticeships

 

S&D president, Austrian Euro MP Hannes Swoboda, announced that he will write a letter to the president of the European Commission, José Manuel Durão Barroso, and to the president of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, to pass the strong message sent today by these young Europeans to the heads of state and government.

 

Mr Swoboda said: "We find it scandalous how high unemployment is in Europe. We have to fight against that, it is anti-social, it is a waste of talent and a waste of human capital for our economy. And most importantly, it destroys lives and we must bring hope back to this generation."

 

Sergei Stanishev, president of the Party of the European Socialists (PES), said: "Youth unemployment is a major problem for Europe today. That is why we need a European Youth Guarantee.

 

"We want a Europe of solidarity, we want a Europe which makes the future of the younger generation viable and secure. Because as our campaign says your future is my future."

 

There were over 250 participants in the room and 1,500 who followed and sent comments and questions online. They held discussions on quality jobs, fair traineeships and equal rights with many S&D Euro MPs, and also with Commissioner for employment László Andor, Commissioner for institutional relations Maroš Šefčovič, Luxembourg's employment minister Nicolas Schmit, the president of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) youth committee Thiébaut Weber, and representative of Génération Précaire Héla Khamarou.

 

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