Experts Discuss Reinforced Youth Guarantee at EU and Neighbourhood Conference

EU and ILO officials highlight challenges and progress in implementing the Reinforced Youth Guarantee during a conference hosted by Hungary's EU Presidency.

Hungarian EU Presidency hosts a conference showcasing regional efforts to implement the Youth Guarantee and tackle youth unemployment. Image: ILO

Budapest, Hungary -- October 3, 2024:

Leaders from the EU and Western Balkans exchange insights on addressing youth unemployment through the Reinforced Youth Guarantee. On September 19, 2024, during the Hungarian EU Presidency, a key conference took place as part of the informal Employment Committee (EMCO) meeting, focusing on the Reinforced Youth Guarantee (YG).

The event gathered experts and officials from the EU and its neighboring regions to discuss ongoing efforts to address youth unemployment and the lessons learned from over a decade of YG implementation.

Mr. Sangheon Lee, Director of the ILO Employment Policy Department, emphasized the importance of policy coherence and the need for countries to focus on key YG principles. "The fact that the Hungarian EU Presidency organized this session to share experiences shows that the Youth Guarantee is a steep learning curve. New opportunities for countries to learn from one another are welcome," he said. Lee also stressed that while implementing the YG in Western Balkan countries is challenging due to their EU accession processes, it is essential to stay focused on the fundamental policy principles. "The ILO remains committed to supporting our constituents in making these principles a reality, even beyond the European neighbourhood," he added.

Ms. Manuela Geleng, Director for Skills and Jobs at the European Commission, highlighted the progress made since the YG’s inception in 2013, but acknowledged that gaps remain. “While we've seen improvements in youth employment rates across the EU, reaching disadvantaged groups and ensuring the quality of offers still requires attention," she stated. Geleng also praised the efforts of Western Balkan economies in adopting Youth Guarantee Implementation Plans (YGIPs) in line with EU standards.

Hungary’s Minister of State for Employment Policy, Mr. Sándor Czomba, shared insights into Hungary's Youth Guarantee Plus Programme, showcasing it as a model for addressing youth unemployment. "Our experience in implementing the Youth Guarantee has demonstrated the need for tailored approaches that take into account national and regional contexts," he remarked, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration between EU member states and their neighbors.

The conference underscored the continued relevance of the Youth Guarantee as a policy framework for tackling youth unemployment, especially in light of new economic challenges, including the digital and green transitions. The need for ongoing support and adaptation of the program in both the EU and neighboring regions, such as the Western Balkans, was a key takeaway.