Right and left, two ways European MEP’s see young people

VoteWatchEurope presented Parliament the analysis of votes on youth policy, education and measures to reduce unemployment

According to VoteWatchEurope, a non-profit organization that studied the votes cast in the latest European Parliament legislation, a large majority of MEP’s are in favor of a European policy for youth, while a minority believe that measures for work and education must only be dealt with on a national level. The differences are significant between right and left in the European Parliament. The centre-left believes the government must invest more in creating new jobs for youth and that these investments must be excluded from rules on fiscal discipline, while the centre-right is more in favor of maintaining budget discipline and focusing on measures to stimulate economic growth in general that will bring more opportunity for work to youth.

From the study it emerges moreover that the centre-left MEP’s have input measures that stimulate youth employment while supporting current employees.

Whereas the centre-right calls for more flexibility in the labor market, affirming that the current legislation disproportionately supports several categories.

Despite the disagreement on priorities to implement in order to resolve this problem, all MEP’s despise the reduction in resources earmarked for education in the member states.

In the meantime, the European Youth Forum launched a campaign “Promises for Youth” in which they ask candidates in the next election to pledge their commitment to achieve a list of priorities for youth: quality education, right to internships, resources for investment for youth, freedom of movement, support for policies earmarked for sustainable development and social cohesion. The campaign will start simultaneously in the 28 member states and the Youth Forum will give candidates who participate the logo “My Promises for Youth” to use during the election campaign.

Irene Giuntella