Conclusions of the Council and of the representatives of the governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on inclusive societies for young people
Date: 2024-05-13
Institutions: Council of the European Union, Representatives of the Governments of the Member States
Subjects: EU programme, equal treatment, marginalisation, social integration, socially disadvantaged class, student mobility, young person, youth employment, youth exchange scheme, youth policy




C_202403808EN.000101.fmx.xml












Official Journal of the European Union


EN
C series













C/2024/3808


27.6.2024






Conclusions of the Council and of the representatives of the governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on inclusive societies for young people
(C/2024/3808)

THE COUNCIL AND THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE MEMBER STATES, MEETING WITHIN THE COUNCIL,
RECALLING THAT:








1.


The European Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. These values are common to the Member States in a society in which pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men prevail. The Union also aims to promote peace and the well-being of its peoples, combat social exclusion and discrimination, promote social justice and protection, respect its rich cultural and linguistic diversity, consider the child’s best interests and protect the rights of the child and of young people (1).












2.


Union action shall be aimed at encouraging the development of youth exchanges and of exchanges of youth workers, and encouraging the participation of young people in democratic life in Europe, as well as facilitating access to vocational training and encouraging mobility of instructors and trainees and particularly young people (2).












3.


The European Pillar of Social Rights includes the right to ‘education, training and life-long learning’ (principle 1), ‘equal opportunities’ (principle 3), ‘childcare and support to children’ (principle 11) and ‘inclusion of people with disabilities’ (principle 17). To implement these rights and principles, EU headline targets on employment, skills, and poverty reduction to be achieved by 2030 have been set.




RECALLING THE POLITICAL BACKGROUND SET OUT IN THE ANNEX TO THE ANNEX, IN PARTICULAR THAT:








4.


The European Union Youth Strategy 2019–2027 strives to contribute to the eradication of youth poverty and all forms of discrimination, promote social inclusion of young people and improve policy decisions with regard to their impact on young people across all sectors, notably social inclusion.












5.


The 11 European Youth Goals reflect the views of European youth, particularly European Youth Goal #3, which aims to enable and ensure the inclusion of all young people in society, European Youth Goal #5, which aims to achieve better mental well-being and to end the stigmatisation of mental health issues, thus promoting social inclusion of all young people, and European Youth Goal #9, which aims to strengthen young people’s democratic participation and autonomy and provide dedicated youth spaces in all areas of society.












6.


The fight against social exclusion is one of the key commitments of the European Union and its Member States (3). Social exclusion damages the well-being of citizens and hampers their ability to express themselves and participate in society.




WELCOMING:








7.


The EU’s concerted efforts to promote cohesion, resilience and values through programmes and initiatives such as Erasmus+ (including through the EU Youth Dialogue), the European Solidarity Corps, the Commission Implementing Decision on the framework of inclusion measures of Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps 2021-2027, the European Social Fund+, including, where applicable, the ‘Aim, Learn, Master, Achieve’ (ALMA) initiative, the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme, the New European Bauhaus initiative, the Conference on the Future of Europe (2021–2022), the European Year of Youth (2022) and its legacy (4), and the European Year of Skills (2023) aim to contribute to social cohesion, social inclusion and the engagement and participation of young people at local, regional, national and European level.












8.


The 10th cycle of the EU Youth Dialogue led by the trio presidency Spain, Belgium and Hungary, which focusses on European Youth Goal #3 on inclusive societies under the motto ‘WE NEED YOUTH’, as well as the outcomes of the EU Youth Conference in Ghent that took place from 2 to 5 March 2024.












9.


That further development of inclusive spaces for young people contributes to inclusive societies, therefore furthering the realisation of approved Council conclusions (5).




TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THAT:








10.


Living together in peaceful and inclusive societies is one of the priorities of the Council of Europe youth sector strategy 2030.












11.


The UN 2030 Agenda for sustainable development reiterated the commitment that no one will be left behind.




ACKNOWLEDGE:








12.


Relevant EU policy and ensuing strategies and recommendations: the European Strategy for a better internet for kids (BIK+) (2022), the EU Strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life (2021–2030), the EU anti-racism action plan (2020–2025), the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy (2020–2025), the Gender Equality Strategy (2020–2025), the EU Roma strategic framework (2020–2030), the Strategy to strengthen the application of the Charter of Fundamental Rights in the EU (2020), the EU strategy on the rights of the child (2021–2024), the EU Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2021–2030), the Council Recommendations establishing a European Child Guarantee (2021) and a Reinforced Youth Guarantee (2020), and the comprehensive approach to mental health (2023).




FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGING THAT:








13.


Young people are not a homogenous group, and consequently have a multitude of identities, diverse needs, resources, backgrounds, life situations and interests, and face diverse challenges and opportunities. In this regard, youth policy and measures targeted at young people should be further developed for all young people using an inclusive diversity-sensitive and intersectional approach (6),












14.


Young people are one of our society’s strengths, as well as individual rights-holders and actors of change. Many young people show a strong sense of resilience and continue to mobilise for their concerns. In so doing, they contribute to positive change in society. Young people should be enabled, supported and empowered in this engagement.












15.


Young people play an important role in creating better-informed decision-making processes and strengthening democracy. Recognising and fostering their potential, and ensuring their meaningful participation at all levels and all stages of policy-making that affects them can support them in this role. The supportive role of youth workers and youth organisations in this endeavour, as shown in the EU Youth Dialogue, should also be recognised and these actors should benefit from appropriate supportive measures to this effect.












16.


The global climate crisis, biodiversity loss (7), the COVID-19 pandemic, and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East and conflicts in other parts of the world, the ensuing energy and inflation crises, as well as the economic and social crises experienced in recent years, and the downsides of the acceleration of the digital revolution, among other things, have an impact on the mental health and well-being of children and young people. These circumstances and phenomena, including migratory phenomena, have profoundly marked European societies at the outset of this decade and have revealed increased inequalities and polarisation in our societies.












17.


These societal developments and multiple crises have affected groups of young people differently and some groups disproportionately. As a result, young people’s social, civic and human rights, in particular those related to gender equality, the protection of minorities and the access to services and resources necessary for subsistence, development and emancipation (8) are under pressure. In addition, some groups have unequal access to these rights and resources. Moreover, growing societal pressure, such as performance pressure, increasingly impact young people’s mental health and well-being (9).












18.


Young people with fewer opportunities are disproportionately affected by societal developments and crises that could result in intersectional discrimination, exclusion or unequal treatment (10). In addition, an increasing number of young people are at risk of ending up in a disadvantaged situation (11). As socio-economic, democratic and digital exclusion often go hand in hand, this situation can have an impact on active citizenship and trust in institutions.












19.


Young people at risk of social exclusion or in vulnerable situations are at greater risk of suffering from mental health issues and challenges. Exposure to discrimination and inequality is damaging to their mental health, especially when young people are affected by multiple discriminations or disadvantages. Promoting equality, tolerance, solidarity and dialogue within our societies is a crucial preventive measure in addressing these mental health issues and challenges (12).












20.


Young people’s spaces in society are under pressure. Shrinking spaces for young people hinder them in their personal and civic development as well as in their capacity to define their space in society. Structural barriers on various levels hinder their access to different spaces, rights and services and their equal participation in society. A pluralistic society characterised by equity, solidarity and an appreciation, respect for and recognition of diversity of all kinds is needed to support, enable and empower young people, particularly those with fewer opportunities, and to create a just and equitable society for all.












21.


Governmental and non-governmental structures, including local communities, youth work (13) and volunteering can play an important role in promoting equity, tolerance, solidarity and dialogue, and in facilitating young people’s active participation and inclusion in their communities and in decision-making. Youth work enables, supports and empowers young people to think critically about society and to become actors of change. The effective implementation and the tangible outcomes of youth work promote social inclusion. Such efforts often entail proactive measures, experimental approaches, and the dissemination of best practices (14).




IN THIS REGARD AIM TO:








22.


Ensure targeted measures to promote equity, inclusion and support for young people in defining and taking up their place in society, in particular through youth work and by developing a transversal, inclusive youth perspective in all relevant policy areas, which can contribute to this. In addition, mechanisms for the meaningful and inclusive participation of young people from diverse backgrounds in decision-making, for example youth councils and youth organisations, can be created while also promoting the participation of young people outside these organisations.












23.


Ensure young people’s active, meaningful, equitable and equal participation and give them a shaping role in spaces that concern them and, where relevant, create, further develop, adapt and safeguard emancipatory spaces for young people and their needs in order to empower them in their development irrespective of their background and to acknowledge, recognise and give effect to their voices and input.












24.


Further connect young people with each other, ensure and facilitate their experiences and interactions with diversity of all kinds, for example through learning mobility or cross-border solidarity actions.












25.


Reinforce the leverage for youth work and other relevant structures and services in support of young people’s development, mental health and well-being, learning and experimenting in order to overcome the barriers young people face on different levels, especially for those young people at risk of exclusion.




NOTE:








26.


The ideas and opinions expressed by young people during the Belgian EU Youth Conference in March 2024, regarding means to achieve inclusive societies for young people, as well as their recommendations to the European Union and its Member States for implementing these ideas, as set out in Annex III of these conclusions:






a)


Better support young people experiencing poverty or who are at risk of poverty and financial exclusion in transitioning to financial independence and security by taking steps to promote affordable housing, increasing access to quality work and employment, addressing mobility barriers, and ensuring young people’s financial literacy.










b)


Ensure young people’s access to affordable, youth-friendly and personalised quality health care and mental health support systems. Additionally, create safe and open environments for young people to speak freely and learn about health and mental well-being.










c)


Promote and invest in education and youth work in order to make learning environments more accessible and inclusive for young people with fewer opportunities, tailoring them to young people’s needs, and increase collaborations between formal education, non-formal education and informal learning and across other sectors.










d)


Increase funding, capacity building and other support so that educators can engage in lifelong learning on the inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities, capitalising on diversity among young people, creating safe spaces for sharing and learning with and by young people from different backgrounds, and youth-centred and personalised teaching and learning approaches.










e)


Improve the capacity of people working with and for young people to effectively disseminate youth-friendly information in order to make information on rights and opportunities accessible. Additionally, strengthen media and information literacy of young people so they can recognise trustworthy information and safely navigate information.










f)


Put in place policies that dismantle systematic discrimination, unconscious bias, and hostile attitudes, that encourage continuous learning about all kinds of diversities as well as unlearning prejudices. Such policies should be co-developed with young people with relevant lived experiences in all fields.








INVITE MEMBER STATES, AT THE APPROPRIATE LEVELS, TO:








27.


Make use of the intersectional approach (15) as method to identify and understand the barriers and challenges faced by young people, particularly those with fewer opportunities and take action to acknowledge, act upon and overcome them. Policy measures and actions should be responsive to the diverse range of identities of the young people concerned, in order to better address the barriers and challenges they experience, especially in accessing, making use of and upholding their rights and services.












28.


Improve the living conditions and mental well-being of all young people, including those with fewer opportunities, by raising the awareness of public entities for the specific needs of young people with fewer opportunities.












29.


Consider means to guarantee and safeguard access to rights and to the public, social, political and cultural services concerned, and prioritise in particular those services that are relevant for addressing youth poverty and homelessness, and those services that provide access to decent living conditions and affordable housing, education, leisure activities and healthcare for all young people.












30.


Provide accessible information services, including counselling services, and youth-friendly information and communication to ensure that all young people are aware of and make use of their rights and possibilities, are able to explore opportunities, and envision potential pathways in their lives. Young people with fewer opportunities should be provided with sufficient support to enable them to access and exercise their rights effectively.












31.


Facilitate the access of all young people to digital spaces and services, encompassing both material access — including internet connectivity and where relevant devices — and the acquisition of digital competences and digital and media literacy to manage the challenges and opportunities presented by online spaces.












32.


In mainstreaming youth issues, promote and support cross-sectoral partnerships and initiatives, in particular between youth work providers, education and training institutions when relevant, social and employment services, social protection and security systems, and social partners that help all young people in their development, in particular by promoting common narratives that contribute to embedding an ‘inclusive youth perspective’ dimension in the work of the various stakeholders concerned.












33.


Facilitate the sustainable mobility of young people, including those living in rural, remote, peripheral, less-developed areas and the outermost regions by addressing mobility barriers, such as public transport issues.












34.


Recognise and stimulate young people’s ability to think critically and recognise the various forms of engagement of young people as agents of change, with a view to achieve more cohesive societies, notably by enabling, supporting and empowering young people to become positive role models with regard to societal participation and engagement in decision-making processes, such as through youth councils, youth organisations, youth initiatives, participation projects or solidarity projects.












35.


Create new, and safeguard existing safe, welcoming and accessible emancipatory physical and virtual spaces and services that are free of societal and performance pressure and value judgments, where all young people can meet and connect.












36.


Strengthen the role of young people, and in particular those with fewer opportunities, in creating, developing, designing, building, shaping and adapting the spaces that concern them, including the public space.












37.


Remove remaining barriers, particularly for young people with fewer opportunities, so as to engage in youth work, by actively reaching out, offering additional support, adapting activities to their different needs, and seeking cooperation with relevant stakeholders of other fields working with young people with fewer opportunities and the organisations representing them.












38.


Encourage and support initiatives that facilitate the entry of young people, especially those with fewer opportunities into youth work and having an active role therein.












39.


Promote different kinds of sustainable support for youth work in order to work with young people with fewer opportunities, through, for example, adequate short-term and long-term funding, resources and infrastructure in order to create favourable conditions for inclusive and flourishing quality youth work.




INVITE THE MEMBER STATES AND THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION, ADHERING TO THE PRINCIPLE OF SUBSIDIARITY, IN THEIR RESPECTIVE AREAS OF COMPETENCE AND AT THE APPROPRIATE LEVELS, TO:








40.


Further promote an inclusive youth perspective in relevant policies through, for example, the establishment, inclusion or continuation of regulatory youth impact assessment mechanisms that aim to better understand and remove the barriers and challenges faced by young people, where relevant. This can help to enhance youth mainstreaming in all policy areas and may include the possible application of an EU Youth Test or Check,












41.


Support policymakers at all levels and across sectors by providing the relevant information and knowledge on good practices in terms of inclusive societies, inclusive and diversity-sensitive youth work, inclusive and emancipatory spaces for young people, and co-creation in order to, where relevant, promulgate a transversal, inclusive youth perspective in all relevant policy areas.












42.


Strengthen the dialogue and synergies between youth organisations, youth work, youth policy and youth research, and promote coordination between local, regional, national and European levels, with a view to facilitating cooperation, capacity building, peer learning, networking, and exchange with regard to:






—


working with young people with fewer opportunities.










—


creating safe, inclusive and emancipatory spaces (in all its dimensions) for young people.










—


empowering and upskilling young people, helping them to advocate and champion for inclusion and diversity in their communities.










—


creating and promoting supported and facilitated opportunities for young people to experience and learn to interact with diversity of all kinds.










—


supporting and respecting young people, particularly in relation to their right to self-determination and participation, in order to increase their sense of belonging and mattering. These are prerequisites needed to strengthen young people’s mental health and well-being.
















43.


Address mental health issues and determinants, by creating environments that support every young person’s socio-economic, physical and psychological well-being, take multisectoral actions that promote young people’s mental health and encourage the improvement of equal and affordable access to mental health care services, notably by implementing the Council conclusions on a comprehensive approach to the mental health of young people in the European Union (16).












44.


Identify the competences that young people, paid and volunteer youth workers and other educators need in order to be aware of diversity, intersectional discrimination, exclusion factors, stereotypes, biases, discrimination and privileges in society, including in education and the labour market, and develop learning opportunities and modules to work towards youth work that is sensitive to diversity and discrimination and is socially inclusive, in order to facilitate experiences and interactions with diversity of all kinds and create safe, emancipatory and inclusive physical and virtual spaces.












45.


Highlight youth work as a driver of inclusion that fosters connections between diverse groups of young people and across various sectors, by stimulating, supporting, building and safeguarding knowledge on and showcasing the diversity in youth work and of its participants, taking into account that young people are not a homogenous group, and consequently have a multitude of identities, diverse needs, resources, backgrounds, life situations and interests.












46.


Further support research into and the analysis, monitoring and collecting of disaggregated data on social exclusion; highlight the impact that exclusion has on young people and possible inclusion measures for youth work; support the creation of inclusive societies and spaces, and ensure that the results are easy to read and accessible. In doing so, make maximum use of existing programmes and research initiatives, such as Horizon Europe and the RAY-network.












47.


Secure a genuine dialogue between young people and policy makers in Europe in order to sustain the European Union’s commitment to Europe’s young people, by introducing means to monitor the follow-up of and evaluate the outcomes of the EU Youth Dialogue and to give young people feedback on this follow-up.




INVITE THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRINCIPLE OF SUBSIDIARITY, TO:








48.


Continue to mobilise EU programmes on cohesion, resilience and values further to strengthen social inclusion and social cohesion by ensuring a transversal dimension of the inclusion of young people in all EU programmes, and continue to emphasise that young people are positive actors of change when it comes to inclusion, diversity and cohesive societies, by gearing these EU programmes towards the support of inclusive youth-driven actions and initiatives.












49.


Support the development of inclusion and inclusive projects that actively involve young people with fewer opportunities, and strengthen their mobility, through different EU programmes, initiatives and, where possible, sustainable resources, including the key programmes in the youth field such as Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps and their continuation.












50.


Continue efforts to make the EU Youth programmes more inclusive and diversity-sensitive, in particular by making use of actions tailored to the needs of young people with fewer opportunities and the organisations representing or working with them, particularly in terms of socio-economic accessibility, the period of the activity, personal and adapted support, and administrative and reporting requirements.












51.


Further increase the access to the EU youth programmes such as Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps for all young people by:






—


providing accessible youth-friendly information and communication in easy language on the opportunities, inclusive measures and support services of the programmes, for example through the European Youth Portal, and by making existing information, such as the measures of the Implementation Guidelines — Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps Inclusion and Diversity Strategy, more widely known.










—


simplifying and adapting regulations and procedures, including through co-designing processes with the beneficiaries of the programmes.










—


assessing the possible implementation of the Seal of Excellence for the European Solidarity Corps (17) to further social cohesion through youth-driven solidarity activities.
















52.


Support and mainstream an inclusive youth perspective in EU programmes and initiatives pursuing cohesion, resilience and values, including the New European Bauhaus initiative and its continuation, and foster synergies between these in order to further efforts to experiment with, create and support initiatives geared towards developing inclusive, safe and emancipatory spaces for young people that are contributory to the realisation of cohesive societies.












53.


Provide further incentives to create more spaces for meaningful participation through the EU Youth Dialogue. This can be achieved by supporting National Working Groups in exchanging best practices on outreach and on working with young people with fewer opportunities, and by raising awareness about the EU Youth Dialogue across sectors and across EU policies and programmes. In particular, this could be achieved by means of dedicated actions on youth inclusion and participation across relevant EU-driven initiatives and programmes, thereby further supporting the dual approach of the EU Youth Strategy and the ambition to mainstream youth issues across policies.












54.


Encourage enhanced cooperation between the EU Youth Coordinator and the European Commission Coordinator on the Rights of the Child, as well as with other relevant coordinators of the European Commission involved in supporting inclusion and fighting discrimination, for example by stimulating exchanges, frequent communication and collaboration.












55.


Stimulate synergies between the EU Youth Dialogue, the European Youth Portal and the EU Children’s Participation Platform.












56.


Encourage the implementation of these invitations in the above-mentioned EU strategies through the dual approach of the EU Youth Strategy (18).




ENCOURAGE CIVIL SOCIETY ACTIVE IN THE FIELD OF YOUTH TO:








57.


Continue to remove the structural barriers and address the challenges experienced by young people, and notably those with fewer opportunities. Subsequently, stand up for the rights of young people, take part in relevant decision-making processes and build bridges between policymakers and young people in all their diversity.












58.


Continue to create, promote and increase the visibility of supported safe and emancipatory physical and virtual spaces to help young people experience and learn to interact with diversity of all kinds, and equip youth workers, educators and other people, e.g., those in social and employment services, or those working with young people, especially with those with fewer opportunities, with the necessary knowledge and competencies for this purpose.












59.


Give greater visibility and acknowledgement to youth work by being vocal and taking part in the co-creation of positive discourses for young people, particularly those with fewer opportunities.












60.


Facilitate, promote and support mobile youth work, with a view to increasing the outreach to young people who are not reached by other forms of youth work.












61.


Exchange information and good practices, cooperate and network at local, regional, national and European level in order to further inclusive societies for and with young people.






(1)  The values of the European Union enshrined in Articles 2, 3(1) and 3(3) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), Articles 8, 9 and 10 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and Articles 21 and 24 (2) of the Charter of Fundamental Rights.

(2)  Articles 165(2) and 166(2) TFEU.

(3)  As stressed in Article 3(1) and (3) TEU, as well as in Articles 8, 9 and 10 TFEU; ‘Today, young people across Europe are facing diverse challenges, such as difficulties in accessing their social rights, social exclusion and discrimination, as well as threats arising from fake news and propaganda’ Resolution on a framework for European cooperation in the youth field: The European Union Youth Strategy 2019–2027 (2018/C 456/01, p. 5).

(4)  Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the European Year of Youth 2022 (COM/2024/1 final).

(5)  Conclusions of the Council and of the representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on safeguarding and creating civic spaces for young people that facilitate meaningful youth participation (2021/C 501 I/04); Conclusions of the Council and the representatives of the governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on the social dimension of a sustainable Europe for youth (2023/C 185/06); Council conclusions on the contribution of quality youth work to the development, well-being and social inclusion of young people (2013/C 168/03); Conclusions of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on strengthening the multilevel governance when promoting the participation of young people in decision-making processes (2021/C 241/03); Conclusions of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on Digital Youth Work (2019/C 414/02); Conclusions of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States on a comprehensive approach to the mental health of young people in the European Union (C/2023/1337); Conclusions of the Council and the representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on promoting the intergenerational dimension in the youth field to foster dialogue and social cohesion (2022/C 495/03), amongst others.

(6)  The Resolution on a framework for European cooperation in the youth field: The European Union Youth Strategy 2019-2027 (2018/C 456/01) describes the guiding principle of inclusion and states that ‘acknowledging that young people are not a homogenous group, and thus have diverse needs, backgrounds, life situations and interests, the EU Youth Strategy should promote activities and policies that are inclusive for all young people, especially those with fewer opportunities and/or those whose voices may be overlooked’; paragraph 6 of the Conclusions of the Council and the representatives of the governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council on the social dimension of a sustainable Europe for youth (2023/C 185/01, p. 6).

(7)  Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030: Bringing nature back into our lives.

(8)  Services and resources such as basic care, health, education, rest and leisure and access to information.

(9)  European Youth Goal #5: ‘A significant and increasing number of young people across Europe are expressing their concern at the prevalence of mental health issues such as high stress, anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses amongst their peers. Young people cite the immense societal pressures they face today and express a need for better youth mental health provision’ Conclusions of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States on a comprehensive approach to the mental health of young people in the European Union (C/2023/1337).

(10)  Eurostat, Young people in Europe: a statistical summary, 2022. According to Eurostat data, one quarter (25,3 %) of young people in the EU were at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2021. For people of all ages, the proportion was lower, at just over one fifth (21,7 %).

(11)  European Commission, Employment and Social Developments in Europe — Young Europeans: employment and social challenges ahead, 2022.

(12)  Paragraphs 10 and 18 of the Conclusions of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States on a comprehensive approach to the mental health of young people in the European Union (C/2023/1337).

(13)  Youth work as described in the Council of Europe Recommendation CM/Rec(2017)4 and in the Resolution of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on the Framework for establishing a European Youth Work Agenda (2020/C 415/01), OJ C 415, 1.12.2020, p. 1–8.

(14)  Paragraphs 3 and 4 of the Conclusions of the Council and the representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on promoting the intergenerational dimension in the youth field to foster dialogue and social cohesion (2022/C 495/03); paragraph 10 of the Council conclusions on the contribution of quality youth work to the development, well-being and social inclusion of young people (2013/C 168/03).

(15)  
            ‘Intersectionality’ can be described as an analytical tool for studying, understanding and responding to the ways in which personal characteristics and identities intersect, and how these intersections can contribute to unique experiences of discrimination. See also footnote 16 of the ‘EU Roma strategic framework for equality, inclusion and participation for 2020 — 2030’.

(16)  Conclusions of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States on a comprehensive approach to the mental health of young people in the European Union (C/2023/1337).

(17)  Article 29(5) of Regulation (EU) 2021/888 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2021 establishing the European Solidarity Corps and repealing Regulations (EU) 2018/1475 and (EU) No 375/2014, OJ L 202, 8.6.2021, p. 32–54.

(18)  
            ‘Dual approach: Policies that strive to improve the lives of young people can never be limited to the field of youth itself. Therefore, the dual approach agreed upon in the previous cooperation framework 2010-2018 is still indispensable as it aims to tackle youth-relevant issues on the one hand by mainstreaming initiatives across policy areas and on the other hand by specific initiatives in the youth sector.’ (Resolution on a European cooperation framework in the youth field: The European Union Youth Strategy 2019–2027 (2018/C 456/01, p. 3).




ANNEX I
Political background
In adopting these conclusions, the Council and the representatives of the Governments of Member States meeting within the Council have taken note of the following documents:






—


Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the European Year of Youth 2022 (COM/2024/1 final),










—


Conclusions of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States on a comprehensive approach to the mental health of young people in the European Union (C/2023/1337),










—


Conclusions of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on promoting youth mainstreaming in policy decision-making processes in the European Union (C/2023/1342),










—


Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on a comprehensive approach to mental health (COM/2023/298 final),










—


Conclusions of the Council and the representatives of the governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council on the social dimension of a sustainable Europe for youth (2023/C 185/06),










—


Decision (EU) 2023/936 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 May 2023 on a European Year of Skills (Text with EEA relevance) (PE/12/2023/REV/1),










—


Conclusions of the Council and the representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on promoting the intergenerational dimension in the youth field to foster dialogue and social cohesion (2022/C 495/03),










—


Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — A Digital Decade for children and youth: the new European Strategy for a better internet for kids (BIK+) (COM/2022/212 final),










—


Conclusions of the Council and the representatives of the governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council — Fostering engagement among young people as actors of change in order to protect the environment (2022/C 159/07),










—


Decision (EU) 2021/2316 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 December 2021 on a European Year of Youth (2022) (Text with EEA relevance) (PE/81/2021/REV/1),










—


Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — EU Strategy on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life (2021-2030) (COM/2021/615 final),










—


Conclusions of the Council and of the representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on safeguarding and creating civic spaces for young people that facilitate meaningful youth participation (2021/C 501 I/04),










—


Council Recommendation (EU) 2021/1004 of 14 June 2021 establishing a European Child Guarantee (ST/9106/2021/INIT),










—


Conclusions of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on strengthening the multilevel governance when promoting the participation of young people in decision-making processes (2021/C 241/03),










—


Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — EU strategy on the rights of the child (COM/2021/142 final),










—


Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions- The European Pillar of Social Rights (Action Plan) (COM/2021/102 final),










—


Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — Union of Equality: Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030 (COM/2021/101 final),










—


Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2093 of 17 December 2020 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027,










—


Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — Strategy to strengthen the application of the Charter of Fundamental Rights in the EU (COM/2020/711 final),










—


Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — Union of Equality: LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025 (COM/2020/698 final),










—


Council Recommendation of 30 October 2020 on A Bridge to Jobs — Reinforcing the Youth Guarantee and replacing the Council Recommendation of 22 April 2013 on establishing a Youth Guarantee (2020/C 372/01),










—


Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council — A Union of Equality: EU Roma strategic framework for equality, inclusion and participation (COM/2020/620 final),










—


Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — A Union of equality: EU anti-racism action plan 2020-2025 (COM/2020/565 final),










—


EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024 (JOIN/2020/5 final),










—


Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — A Union of Equality: Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025 (COM/2020/152 final),










—


Conclusions of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on Digital Youth Work (2019/C 414/02),










—


Resolution of the Council of the European Union and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on a framework for European cooperation in the youth field: The European Union Youth Strategy 2019-2027 (2018/C 456/01),










—


Interinstitutional Proclamation on the European Pillar of Social Rights (2017/C 428/09),










—


Resolution of the Council and of the representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, of 20 May 2014 on the overview of the structured dialogue process including social inclusion of young people (2014/C 183/01),










—


Council conclusions of 20 May 2014 on promoting youth entrepreneurship to foster social inclusion of young people (2014/C 183/04),










—


Council conclusions on enhancing the social inclusion of young people not in employment, education or training (2014/C 30/03),










—


Council conclusions on the contribution of quality youth work to the development, well-being and social inclusion of young people (2013/C 168/03),










—


Conclusions of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, of 27 November 2012 on the participation and social inclusion of young people with emphasis on those with a migrant background (2012/C 393/05),










—


Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (2012/C 326/02),










—


Council Resolution of 27 November 2009 on a renewed framework for European cooperation in the youth field (2010-2018) (2009/C 311/01).









ANNEX II
For the purposes of these Council conclusions:






—



               ‘Diversity-sensitive approach’ means recognising and respecting individual differences among young people and at the same time reflecting on biases, discrimination and exclusion factors with a view to overcoming attitudes and practices that prevent young people from feeling welcome and taking part in measures and activities targeted towards them. The aim is to rethink and develop structures, attitudes and practices that are sensitive to these factors, open to diversity and therefore inclusive from the beginning on (1).










—



               ‘Emancipatory spaces’ means spaces that allow young people to be themselves, to experiment, try new things and that permit failure, which is considered to be part of the learning and social integration processes (2), and which consequently contributes to young people’s autonomy and mental health and well-being. Young people need spaces where they can be themselves and thrive. Specific groups, where relevant, need their own, safe and empowering spaces, that support them to become active members of a society where young people of different backgrounds meet, interact and connect.










—



               ‘Intersectional approach’ means an approach sensitive to the ways in which personal characteristics and identities intersect, and how these intersections can contribute to unique experiences of discrimination. This takes into account that each person belongs to different and intersecting social groups and, as a result, may face different and often overlapping modes of discrimination, exclusion, or, vice versa, privilege.










—



               ‘Young people with fewer opportunities’ mean young people who, for economic, social, cultural, geographical or health reasons, owing to their migrant background, or for reasons such as disability or educational difficulties or for any other reason, including a reason that could give rise to discrimination under Article 21 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, face obstacles that prevent or that threaten to prevent them from equal access to opportunities, participation in society or from exercising their citizenship (3).










—



               ‘Youth Councils’ mean youth-led bodies operating either at a national or regional level, or local or municipal level (also called local youth councils). Operating independently of governments, these councils are established either as NGOs or through legislative acts. Their activities encompass, among other things, advocating for youth concerns, issuing recommendations or opinions to decision-makers, contributing expertise to (youth) policy creation, upholding and promoting democratic values, and fostering the democratic participation of young individuals (4).






(1)  SALTO-YOUTH Inclusion and Diversity Resource Centre: Embracing Diversity. A guide to diversity management for organisations active in intercultural youth work, 2021.

(2)  Conclusions of the Council and of the representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on promoting new approaches in youth work to uncover and develop the potential of young people (2016/C 467/03).

(3)  Definition on young people with fewer opportunities in line with the definition in Article 2 (4) of Regulation 2021/888.

(4)  Council of Europe Recommendation Rec(2006)1 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on the role of national youth councils in youth policy development.





ANNEX III
OUTCOMES OF THE EU YOUTH CONFERENCE IN GHENT (MARCH 2024)
In the 10th cycle of the EU Youth Dialogue, led by the trio presidency of Spain, Belgium, and Hungary, the thematic emphasis is on European Youth Goal #3 — Inclusive societies, which aims to enable and ensure the inclusion of all young people in society, under the motto ‘WE NEED YOUTH’.
As part of this effort, the Belgian Presidency organised the EU Youth Conference from 2nd to 5th March 2024 in Ghent. During the conference, ten working groups discussed six themes concerning inclusive societies: (1) structural barriers, (2) the role of information, (3) health and mental wellbeing, (4) formal, (5) non-formal and informal inclusive learning environments and (6) challenging discriminatory attitudes and cultures.
The conference aimed to lay a robust foundation for political action, with the outcomes of the discussions intended to guide policy development further. The outcomes of the conference include six recommendations and thirty-four implementing measures:
Recommendations: Six recommendations emerged from discussions within the conference’s working groups and cover the six themes concerning inclusive societies. A dedicated editing team, consisting of a youth representative of the Belgian National Youth Councils, a representative of the European Youth Forum, the researchers involved in analysing the outcomes of the consultation process, an expert from SALTO Inclusion and Diversity, and a Presidency representative, drafted and refined these recommendations based on the input and feedback of the participants of the conference, supported by the expertise of ministerial delegates. These recommendations are formulated in paragraph 26 of the present Council conclusions.
Possible implementing measures: Thirty-four possible implementing measures have been proposed, directly stemming from the discussions within the working groups of the conference supported by the expertise of the ministerial delegates. These measures aim to translate the youth ideas outlined in the six recommendations into tangible actions, while respecting the principle of subsidiarity, the respective areas of competence, the appropriate levels and actors involved. Each proposed measure specifies the policy level at which it could potentially be implemented.
European Youth Goal #3 on Inclusive societies — Possible Implementing Measures
1.   CHANGE THE SYSTEM: STRUCTURAL BARRIERS TO SOCIAL INCLUSION






1.1   Research on how to boost mobility for young people in border regions
The European Commission should conduct research on cross-border transportation in rural areas and measures to be taken to facilitate cooperation between regional transportation. A special focus should be on the effect of creating more cohesion between cross-border pricing systems that centers on young people with fewer opportunities.
A toolbox of suitable measures is to be created.
This should lead to decreasing prices, and a more affordable ticketing system for consumers.


LEVEL:
regional,
EU




1.2   Independent Youth: subsidies for youth housing
This measure targets all youth between the ages of 16 and 30, including students, employed youth, NEETs etc. by providing them with housing subsidies based on their social economic background and status. The implementation of this measure ensures equitable and fair subsidies.
This should lead to the independence and well-being of young people in all aspects of social participation.


LEVEL:
EU




1.3   Digital empowerment for European youth in rural and outermost areas
The European Commission should encourage the Member States to ensure equal digital access for young people across Europe. This entails establishing widespread Wi-Fi availability in rural areas and providing access to laptops for underserved communities. By prioritising digital inclusion, we empower young people by giving them the tools they need to work remotely, develop their skills, and access digital services.
This should lead to an increase in employability and enhanced access to information.


LEVEL:
EU




1.4   Free public transport for all young people
Provide free public transport to all you[..]ng people, improving access to schools, jobs, and social opportunities, and allowing disadvantaged areas to grow around major public transport hubs. This initiative reflects the EU's acknowledgement of youth struggles and strives to address them effectively.
This should lead to a sustainable, cross-sectional reduction in inequalities.


LEVEL:
national




1.5   Vacancy Tax serving financial incentives for social youth housing
Houses unoccupied for over two years (occupied for less than one month a year) qualify for Vacancy Tax. Funds collected via this tax are used to incentivise landlords to make their housing stock available to the social housing market, particularly for young people with fewer opportunities.
This should lead to engaged landlords in youth housing schemes and broaden the opportunities for young people.


LEVEL:
national




1.6   High-quality financial literacy standards for all youth in the EU
A sound understanding of finance (financial literacy) empowers young people and gives them confidence to face life’s challenges and work towards their long-term goals. An integrated approach is needed to implement a comprehensive financial literacy programme by involving a wide range of stakeholders such as schools, businesses, banks, and non-profit organisations.
This should lead to empowering youth and enhance the financial literacy and lifelong project planning of young people.


LEVEL:
national




2.   HEALTH AND MENTAL WELLBEING






2.1   Access to a psychologist in every school
Member States and candidate countries should ensure that psychologists are available at all stages of formal education. Embedding psychologists in schools can enhance access to mental health care and aid in early stigma reduction. Active engagement with the entire school community in preventive practices is vital. These psychologists, independent from teaching staff, should have the authority to recommend further professional support for a student without requiring parental consent.
This should lead to easier access to psychologists and the prevention of mental health problems.


LEVEL:
national




2.2   Include diverse research groups in criteria for health research funds
The European Commission should include diverse groups in the criteria for granting research funds in the medical field. Based on research carried out by McKinsey & Company on ‘Closing the data gaps in women’s health’, there is a gender bias in medical research. This leads to the exclusion of the majority of the population from effectively functioning healthcare. This problem especially affects young women, since they are less likely to be diagnosed.
This should lead to a lower mortality rate and equal healthcare systems for young people.


LEVEL:
EU




2.3   Supporting education and initiatives for you[ng people’s mental wellbeing
The European Commission and Member States, building on the 2023 Strategy for Mental Health, should support programmes that enhance awareness of well-being and mental health among young people through non-formal education, the exchange of good practices and research-based information. Sharing, promoting and popularising the existing methodologies and programmes should be conducted through diverse platforms within the Member States. EU candidate countries are also encouraged to implement this measure.
This should lead to raising stakeholder capacities and strengthen young people’s mental resilience.


LEVEL:
EU




2.4   Include health as a ground of discrimination within legislation
Member States should include health in the list of grounds of discrimination; health includes mental health and physical health conditions; in order to protect individuals from discrimination, for example in the workplace and in education. The legal framework should protect all citizens, including students and employees with health conditions and provide them with the necessary resources to equally thrive in their environments.
This should lead to equal access to education and work for all people.


LEVEL:
EU




2.5   A mental well-being training programme for educators and youth workers
Educators and youth workers should receive mandatory, initial and continuing, empathy and life-skill training to effectively communicate, provide mental well-being support and inspire awareness-raising among young people, adapted to their needs. In addition, relevant authorities should maintain continuously updated materials, taking advantage of existing EU tools and programmes. This should be properly financed by the relevant authorities. EU candidate countries are also encouraged to implement this.
This should lead to young people having access to staff trained in mental health support.


LEVEL:
EU




3.   INCLUSIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS — FORMAL EDUCATION & SCHOOLS






3.1   Integrate non-formal education led by NGOs into formal civic education
Stimulate schools to involve youth-led NGOs, in collaboration with youth workers, in implementing the civic education curriculum using non-formal methods. The initiative should be supported by the EU institutions. The course should use the national curriculum and be prepared together with youth workers and teachers. The youth-led NGO' lessons will enable young people to learn about civic society, give more opportunities to engage and increase social inclusion by providing a peer-to-peer practical learning experience.
This should lead to providing opportunities to engage and learn practical skills through civic education.


LEVEL:
local,
national,
EU




3.2   Establish legal frameworks for nationwide and inclusive regional student representative bodies
Member States should implement these legal frameworks to define student self-governance, promote civic engagement, and mandate a degree of deliberative power in governance, allowing students to become significant stakeholders in decision-making processes at all levels. These structures must prioritise intersectionality in their activities and throughout their structure, ensuring the existence of inclusivity and diversity officers. The legal framework must safeguard students' freedom to voice their concerns and feedback.
This should lead to strengthening student representation, self-governance and participation, and democratic confidence.


LEVEL
local,
regional,
national




3.3   Enhance anti-discrimination practices in vocational education and training (VET)
Support systems for students seeking work placements should be set up and their path through apprenticeship recruitment procedures should be eased by:






—


implementing legally binding anti-discrimination policies, to be included in agreements between VET-institutions and corporations offering apprenticeships.










—


requiring employers to register apprentices for workplace liability insurance.










—


anonymising application procedures for apprentices seeking work placements, in order to ensure that their identity (e.g., gender, age, ethnic background, disability) is not a cause for discrimination.




This should lead to reducing the likelihood of discrimination in the recruitment procedure and in work placements for VET apprentices.


LEVEL:
regional,
national,
EU




3.4   Joint educational initiatives with school students of diverse backgrounds
Young people from diverse backgrounds, including those with fewer opportunities should collaborate in non-formal settings on joint initiatives (e.g., cooperation between special needs schools and other schools). Schools should organise joint activities with one goal, focusing on peer-to-peer learning in the process. Such activities remove barriers for young people in order to interact and enrich one another. Funding is essential so that all young people have a fair chance to participate.
This should lead to shared experiences, and better knowledge of and understanding between different youth groups.


LEVEL:
local, national




3.5   Streamlined funding for young people facing fewer opportunities in education
Allocate specific funding to establish support programmes in educational institutions for learners experiencing various forms of disadvantage at all stages of education. This funding will be earmarked for tailored support services, including the provision of assistive technologies and the development of infrastructure to meet the diverse access needs of these learners.
This should lead to enhanced access to and success in education for marginalised learners.


LEVEL
local, national, EU




3.6   Lifelong teacher-training on inclusion
Create specific Erasmus+ ‘train the trainer’ projects on inclusion and diversity for teachers, who then share their knowledge and skills with peers in their school(s). Develop national/regional programmes for schools to exchange and evaluate inclusion and diversity practices. This should enable schools to improve their approach to inclusivity and diversity and facilitate continuous reflection on their own practices.
This should lead to teachers gaining a better understanding of inclusion and relevant skills.


LEVEL:
regional, national, EU




4.   INCLUSIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS: NON-FORMAL AND INFORMAL EDUCATION AND YOUTH WORK






4.1   Promote professionalised youth work across Europe through structural investments and trainings
Recognise informal learning and youth work in creating inclusive spaces. Encourage evidence-based academic research to support the impact of youth work. Funding should be sustainable and structural, ensuring better youth services and inclusion trainings. Strengthen the recognition of youth workers’ expertise through common standards.
This should lead to safeguarding the rights of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.


LEVEL:
national,
EU




4.2   Ensure capacity building and continuous dialogue between youth workers and stakeholders
This measure is to be achieved in three phases: (1) the consultation phase, during which youth workers, non-formal and informal educators will participate in a dialogue with policymakers to create a map of their needs; (2) the action plan creation phase, during which decision-makers agree on a set of actions in goal-oriented topics defined in the previous phase; (3) implementation and evaluation phase, during which the measures are executed and their impact is assessed.
This should lead to guaranteeing that youth workers' needs are achieved, and continuous dialogue is implemented.


LEVEL:
national




4.3   Increased access to funding opportunities at the local level
Introduce a localised and simplified funding framework for non-formal education and youth empowerment. This should be funded by dedicated budgets sourced by existing programmes at European and national level. This funding should enable community-driven initiatives for disadvantaged youth to be carried out. Information about the framework should be easily accessible through various and relevant communication channels and structures. To access the funding, there needs to be a straightforward application process through user-friendly platforms.
This should lead to disadvantaged youth accessing and benefiting from well-funded non-formal education.


LEVEL:
local




4.4   Youth-centred participatory budgeting
Through non-formal approaches, data-driven results, and participatory structures, local youth are empowered to engage with various stakeholders in participatory budgeting. This fosters social inclusion, breaks down barriers, and promotes literacy among youth. Furthermore, it will stimulate knowledge in regard to non-formal education.
This should lead to increased youth participation; strengthened community cohesion and enhanced economic opportunities.


LEVEL:
local,
regional




4.5   Mobile youth work
In order to reach young people with fewer opportunities, Member States should provide resources for mobile youth work. The mobile youth work will, jointly with local stakeholders, work to provide support, information and programmes to young people facing social exclusion. It will reinforce the collaboration between youth workers and local stakeholders and is aimed at providing equal access to opportunities to experience non-formal education for young people facing social exclusion.
This should lead to equal access to opportunities to experience non-formal education.


LEVEL:
local,
national




4.6   Formal recognition of volunteer youth work
Assure free training for volunteer youth workers in order for them to continuously gain or improve the awareness and competences necessary to create inclusive, safe spaces for youth in cooperation with youth organisations. At the end of the training, the volunteers receive certificates that are linked to benefits such as university credits, transport, cultural discounts etc. These trainings will provide the necessary knowledge and awareness about discrimination, (social) exclusion and mental health.
This should lead to an increase in the amount and knowledge of volunteer youth workers.


LEVEL:
national




5.   THE ROLE OF INFORMATION AND SOCIAL INCLUSION






5.1   Implement youth information and critical thinking workshops in schools
Non-formal workshops, co-designed with young people, should be delivered in schools by youth organisations, targeting students, especially those with fewer opportunities, in order to tackle disinformation. Member States are encouraged to embed these interactive workshops within formal education. The funding for the youth organisations to implement these workshops should come from initiatives of the European Commission.
This should lead to youngsters having long-term critical thinking and media literacy skills.


LEVEL:
local,
EU




5.2   Exploring reliable news, sources and verifiable information.
An independent Inclusion Platform where you can check facts should be set up. The platform provides inclusive tools to educate and improve media literacy. Knowing that the platform already partially exists in some member states, we encourage a peer learning activity to share good practices, especially focusing on young people with fewer opportunities. To ensure the correct inclusive implementation we encourage youth from diverse backgrounds to be involved in the drafting of the platform.
This should lead to avoiding prejudices and empowering young people with fewer opportunities.


LEVEL:
EU




5.3   Campaign for quality information and media literacy to empower youth.
The EU institutions in cooperation with the Member States should establish a campaign with long-lasting effects by providing resources for societal, educational and informational initiatives and programmes targeting young people. It raises awareness on the quality of young people’s consumption of information and media as a powerful factor for social inclusion. It produces stronger media exposure in Europe, with the UN Global media and information literacy week as a possible focal point.
This should lead to youth that can identify quality information and fight disinformation.


LEVEL:
national,
EU




5.4   Establish inclusive youth spaces working as information hubs.
Member States should support municipalities in establishing local youth spaces which are appealing to young people, provide experimental spaces for learning and are well-equipped for both youth and youth workers. These spaces should be well-resourced and equipped both financially and in terms of HR. Youth workers should be well-informed and well-educated, they should be able to guide young people to reliable sources of information and to create quality programmes.
This should lead to well-informed, empowered and active young people.


LEVEL:
local,
regional




5.5   EU made simple: systematically inclusive information for all.
EU institutions should have a systematic approach to make all public EU information such as websites, policy measures and programmes, that are relevant to young people, available on easy-to-read and accessible language through audio-visual formats, sign language and all European languages. This should be done by establishing criteria and guidance on how to formulate this information and by using focus groups to make quality check for its accessibility before publishing.
This should lead to empowerment, to benefit from opportunities and raised trust in EU.


LEVEL:
EU




6.   CHALLENGING DISCRIMINATORY ATTITUDES AND CULTURES






6.1.   Use inclusive language in EU policy documents
The EU should review active policy documents and where needed replace discriminatory phrases/terms/words with inclusive alternatives. All new policy frameworks should be formulated in inclusive language and assessed with a view to representing all human beings, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, ethnicity, origin and disability. These guidelines should be followed when translating policies into other official languages, to ensure that the inclusive aspect is adhered to.
This should lead to all people concerned by these documents to feel represented and included.


LEVEL:
national,
EU




6.2.   Continuous learning focusing on acceptance and awareness of diversities
To tackle discriminatory attitudes and cultures, continuous learning with a focus on acceptance and awareness of diversities should be promoted at all stages of a citizen’s life. The learning material should emphasise cultural exchange, inclusivity, intersectionality and mixing of societal groups. It should be accessible (online/offline) and easily transferable to different areas of society, including mandatory education for children and the employment sector.
This should lead to awareness of diversities which will shape people’s general acceptance.


LEVEL:
national,
EU




6.3   Adopting an intersectional and representative approach to all strategies
Member states should adopt an intersectional approach in every policy domain when implementing mechanisms and strategies (e.g., making the EUYD more inclusive, creating or properly implementing national plans) to counter discriminatory attitudes and cultures. This must be achieved by involving people with lived experience and engaging representative structures in a sustainable participatory process, with care for those affected, and in accordance with the UNCRC and other human rights conventions.
This should lead to a society that guarantees full respect for an individual’s needs.


LEVEL:
national




6.4.   Guarantee equal rights: spreading proper Youth Tests at all levels.
Not all young people’s needs are considered during policymaking processes, which creates difficulties in the full enjoyment of their economic, social and cultural rights. A proper Youth Test, considered as an impact assessment tool, should have two phases: a pre-evaluation phase on the eventual impact on youth of the proposed bill and a post evaluation phase monitoring short and long term effects produced by the adopted law.
This should lead to respecting the needs and difficulties of young people.


LEVEL:
local,
regional,
national,
EU




6.5.   EU funding for intergenerational spaces within European municipalities
Organised, non-organised groups and/or individuals and local governments should be able to apply for funding for safe and free spaces to connect people/groups. Communities should have the opportunity to come together and learn to have value for each other.
The spaces should be free, accessible, and safe and should ensure the involvement of a diversity of groups.
The end-users should be participating/involved in the (re)designing of unused spaces from appliance till management and operation.
This should lead to 1 500  spaces being (re)designed within the EU.


LEVEL:
local,
national,
EU




6.6.   Prevent prejudice through the acceptance of minority groups and educating about self-reflection






—


Promote the acceptance of minority groups through increased representation in various forms of the media such as textbooks, films. Support the production of movies that accurately depict minority groups and ensure visibility on national TV.










—


Promote formal education by supporting teachers to attend self-reflection teaching programmes without using holiday time. Provide grants to facilitate participation and integrate self-reflection teachings into the classrooms.










—


We seek ongoing backing for activities to educate about self-reflection, along with tailored support for dormitory initiatives.




This should lead to fostering mutual understanding, combatting prejudice, and empowering educators.


LEVEL:
local,
regional,
national,
EU







ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/3808/oj
ISSN 1977-091X (electronic edition)