By Martin Banks - 19th October 2011
Youth unemployment is unacceptably high
Stephen Hughes
EU commissioner László Andor has warned that the economic malaise gripping much of Europe has now spread to the rest of society.
Speaking in parliament on Wednesday, Andor said this could be seen in the "discontent" felt by "many" young people throughout Europe.
Addressing a hearing, Andor, responsible for social affairs, employment and inclusion, said, "The warning signs are there for all to see. The EU institutions and the rest of the international community have to change course."
The hearing, organised by parliament's S&D group, was told by Andor that only one third of Europe's young people were currently in employment and that one in three youngsters had been out of work for more than one year.
While youth unemployment in some countries, such as Austria, Germany and The Netherlands, is relatively low, the youth jobless rate across Europe is between 20 and 40 per cent, he said.
An estimated one in five of young people are also "at risk" of social exclusion and poverty, said Andor.
"Clearly, the risk from the economic downturn is not just a financial one but is now also political and social," he said.
"The social risk can be seen from the demonstrations at the weekend by young people all over Europe."
Andor said more should be done to address the "plight" of the young, with a more "effective and innovative" approach required.
"We cannot just rely on conventional policies but make best use of Europe's great innovative potential."
Speaking at the same debate, UK Socialist MEP Stephen Hughes reminded the conference of EU targets which aim to ensure that 75 per cent of young people are in work by 2020 with similar "ambitious" targets for tertiary educations.
Hughes, a deputy S&D leader, said that with one fifth of young people out of work in the UK alone, the EU had to "refocus" on its targets for getting youngsters back in work.
"Youth unemployment is unacceptably high and the aspirations of our youth are at rock bottom," he said.
He said the commission had recently "stolen the clothing" of Socialists in endorsing the party's calls for measures such as a financial transaction tax and eurobonds.
Hughes, who opened the debate, added, "I hope this will continue so that the young can be given some hope."
