Youth unemployment is a significant issue in contemporary societies, as young people represent
one of the most vulnerable demographic groups. The economic crisis of 2008 and the covid-19 pandemic in 2020 had a particularly severe impact on this population. In response to these events, the European Union adopted and refined various strategies aimed at reducing youth
unemployment across its member states. The implementation of these strategies lies with the
individual member states, which must adapt them in accordance with their national legislation.
This area has also drawn considerable attention from international organisations such as the
ILO and the UN. In the aftermath of the economic crisis, EU strategies primarily focused on
job creation and alleviating the effects of the downturn. More recent approaches increasingly
prioritise green policies, sustainability, lifelong learning, youth mobility, the inclusion and
participation of young people in political and social life, and, more broadly, the full realisation
of young people’s potential. These strategies are thus primarily based on the principles of active
labour market policy. In addition to youth unemployment rates, a key factor in shaping these
strategies is the proportion of young people who are not in employment, education, or training
(NEETs). A comparative analysis of countries from different European regions also provides
valuable insights.
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