Open Letter to President Van Rompuy: Invest in Youth!

On Monday, 30 January 2012, European leaders will meet in Brussels for an Informal European Council focused on growth and jobs. In his letter of invitation, President Van Rompuy has stressed the importance of concentrating "on immediate action to be taken in the specific areas of youth unemployment, the Single Market and SMEs". In this respect the European Youth Forum has written an Open Letter to President Van Rompuy to ask not only for words, but for a concrete support of the European Council when it comes to secure investment in European youth.

In his letter, President Peter Matjasic, stresses that "the Youth Forum is very concerned with the worsening of the crisis and its impact on state budgets in the short term period. The vicious circle of a weak recovery and high debt risks to endanger the future of the Euro, the European economy, the cohesion of European societies and ultimately of the achievements and progress done in over 50 years of European integration. At the same time we are convinced that austerity measures alone are not the answer to tackle the difficulties many young Europeans are facing in accessing the labour market – many are un(der)paid or work in extremely precarious conditions – and becoming autonomous and active citizens. Increased investments in education, training and youth combined with incentives for new job creation is fundamental. The cuts in those budget lines can make the crisis only worse in the long run."

Finally, he highlights the role of youth organisations as key partners of the European leaders to reach out to young people: "We, the youth organisations in Europe, put ourselves at your disposal to help you with this task – with our expertise and outreach to European youth. Young people, in times of crisis and economic austerity, do not need nice words but strong investments. Young people must be a political and financial priority for Europe. Youth deserves nothing less!"

Download the Open Letter of the European Youth Forum to President Van Rompuy