Situation of young people in the European Union labour market

The situation of young people in the European Union labour market has worsened significantly over the last ten years. The economic crisis ended the gradual decline in global youth unemployment rates. Currently, the youth unemployment crisis is continuing in both developed and developing economies. Youth face strong structural barriers in their search for a decent job. In the past year (2012) in many member states, the employment rate of young people was lower than the employment rate generally. In the same time, the unemployment rate of young people was higher than the average unemployment rate. Although there are large differences in regional youth unemployment rates, almost all regions and member states face, or will face, major youth employment challenges. The situation for youth in Spain and Greece is especially difficult. It all makes this issue one of the largest and most important socio-economic problems in the European Union. The rise of NEET youths (young individuals who are not engaged in education, employment, or training) is becoming a social issue in many European nations. Reducing the number of young people who are not in education, employment or training is one of the major goals for the European Union in the coming years.

This paper evaluates the situation of young people in the labour market of EU countries. It analyses the most important EUROSTAT labour market indicators. This paper contains recommendations for youth employment policies and general labour market policies. Macroeconomic and growth policies, active labour market policies and programmes for youth are needed to define their future role in the labour market and to provide social protection for them.      

Key words: labour market, employment, unemployment, young people, European Union