Bringing Europe closer to its young citizens - youth programme, Council resolution on implementation of European pact for youth: Education, Youth and Culture Council, 14-15 November (link)

Brussels, 17 November 2005

The Council held an exchange of views on bringing Europe closer to its young citizens, covering the following issues suggested by the Presidency:

- principal concerns of young people regarding the development of the European Union in each Member State;

- action to be taken in order to bring Europe closer to all of its young citizens at national and European level.

Delegations expressed the view that the main concerns of young people in relation to the European Union are related to
- employment and training opportunities;
- equal opportunities and social integration;
- the needs of disadvantaged young people;
- the recognition of informal learning;
- the lack of information about the EU;
- limited involvement of young people in decision making.

Delegations considered that, in addition to the programmes already running in Europe, action should be taken to involve youth more intensively in the decisions that affect them.

It is recalled that the debate took place at a time when the relationship which the EU has with its citizens is regarded as highly important. It is one of many other debates which will be held on the future of Europe in order to identify how, in the opinion of its citizens, the EU should develop and what its priorities should be.

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For complete text on following titles, see Council report

Youth programme

Council resolution on implementation of European pact for youth