C 152/122
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
6.4.2022
Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘Proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on a European Year of Youth 2022’ (COM(2021) 634 final — 2021/0328(COD)) (2022/C 152/20)
Rapporteur-general: Michael MCLOUGHLIN Referral
Council of the European Union, 21.10.2021 European Parliament, 21.10.2021
Legal basis
Articles 165(4) and 166(4) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union
Section responsible
Section for Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship
Adopted at plenary
8.12.2021
Plenary session No
565
Outcome of vote (for/against/abstentions)
201/0/1
1.
Conclusions and recommendations 1.1.
The Economic and Social Committee welcomes the declaration of 2022 as the European Year of Youth.
The situating of the year in the context of the European Pillar on Social Rights and the post-pandemic recovery narrative is also most welcome. 1.2.
The EESC is ready to play a lead role in the European Year of Youth, building on successful EESC initiatives such as ‘Your Europe, Your Say!’ and the Youth Climate and Sustainability Roundtables.
The EESC is uniquely positioned to facilitate engagement with youth networks. 1.3.
Clear indicators and policy goals need to be developed for the Year.
These should focus on the impact on policies and cross-sectoral work beyond the activities organised. 1.4.
The EESC expresses concern that the agenda and priorities for the Year appear crowded and it considers that simple priorities might assist all stakeholders. 1.5.
If promotional activities are the main content of the Year, this should be clear in all communications, particularly with young people. 1.6.
The Year of Youth needs to contribute towards the EU Youth Strategy with clear plans and engagement, particularly in view of the youth strategy’s cross-sectoral dimension. 1.7.
The Year must ensure that harder-to-reach groups are included.
If need be, group level and geographic indicators should be used to ensure this. 1.8.
In terms of budget, the EESC believes there is a need for more ambition.
Given the critical situation young people in the EU are facing, there needs to be some resources beyond existing programmes for national youth councils and youth organisations. 1.9.
The EESC believes that a total allocation of EUR 10 000 000 with EUR 2 000 000 for coordination nationally, is required.
The European Youth Forum and its members are also very important.
These funds might be sub-granted via national youth councils.
1.10.
Local European Year alliances at Member State level would be welcome.
The EESC can also play a role in this.
1.11.
Envisaged work on external relations and with the EEAS is also welcome for the Year and beyond.
The relatively well-developed youth policies in Europe can play an important role in our neighbourhood and beyond.