1. Youth unemployment across Europe: the impact of the recession and potential solutions
Christiane Westphal Policy co-ordinator Youth employment European Commission DG Employment, Social Affairs, Inclusion

2. Youth unemployment (15-24) in 2011 (Source: Eurostat)

3. Unemployment (25-29) in 2011 (Source: Eurostat)

4. Youth unemployment (15-24) ratio 2011 (Source: Eurostat)

5. Long-term youth unemployment (15-24) 2007/2011 (Source: Eurostat)

6. Key findings from transition studies
Diversity in transition patterns across EU
Low skilled youth most at risk of unemployment
Low skills are risk in the longer term for exclusion
Transitions faster in countries with apprenticeships systems (OECD 2009, EC 2012)
Transitions difficult in countries with segmented labour markets (OECD 2009, EC 2010)
Traineeships a new labour market entry tool (EC 2012)

7. Main conclusions to draw…
For setting policy priorities:
Education and Training
Tools for labour market transition
Support for all youth
For improving delivery of policies:
EU economic governance
EU Structural Funds
EU direct action

8. Policy priorities: EUROPE 2020 - Europe’s growth strategy
Youth important target group in the EUROPE 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth - flagship initiative "Youth on the Move"
"Youth Opportunities Initiative": four key areas for action: education – skills – work experience – first job
Broad EU consensus with strong support from Member States (European Council!) and European Parliament

9. Europe 2020 - "European Semester"
Annual cycle of EU economic governance
Core instrument "country specific recommendations" (CSR)
UK 2012:
6 CSRs, among them one on youth:
"Continue to improve the employability of young people, in particular those not in education, employment or training, including by using the Youth Contract. Ensure that apprenticeship schemes are taken up by more young people, have a sufficient focus on advanced and higher-level skills, and involve more small and medium-sized businesses.Take measures to reduce the high proportion of young people aged with very poor basic skills."

10. Stepping up delivery with EU support
Linking EU structural funds better to policy priorities
"Action teams" pilot initiative under the Youth Opportunities Initiative
Preparation of the next multiannual financial framework
EU programmes and specific initiatives for young people

11. The way ahead
Commission preparing EU policy frameworks for promoting transitions through:
Youth Guarantees: ensuring that all young people receive a good quality offer of employment, continued education, an apprenticeship or a traineeship within four months of leaving school or becoming unemployed
Quality of traineeships: ensuring that traineeships are properly defined; potential elements include learning content, duration, social security, compensation

12. Thank you for your attention!
Europe 2020 – Europe's growth strategy: Youth Opportunities Initiative: Studies on apprenticeships and traineeships: