CoR Plenary (December 2021)

Establishing a new programme ensures the continuation of the Erasmus+ funding programme for education, training, youth and sport. The new generation programme maintains a lifelong learning approach and works towards the adoption of a European Education Area by 2025. Flagship initiatives include the European University Networks and the European Student Card. The new regulation also focuses on inclusion and aims at greater simplification for end-users. It incorporates sports in the main structure of the programme, expands the use of digitalisation, supports new areas of knowledge and introduces DiscoverEU, a new mobility initiative. The Parliament and Council reached agreement on the proposal following the overall agreement on the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework, and it was adopted in May 2021. Third edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

The Ex-Post Evaluation Unit (EVAL) of EPRS has been asked to assist in the preparation of the implementation report with a European Implementation Assessment (EIA). The EIA consists of two parts: an in-house desk-research analysis and two external studies that combine desk research and primary data collection. The focus of the EIA is the learning mobility of individuals and the inclusion of young people with special needs or fewer opportunities.

The next generation, sometimes referred to as 'Generation Z' or 'Gen Z', includes children and young people born after 1995/1996. Also known as the 'iGeneration' they are the first digital natives: they have grown up with smartphones and tablets, and most have internet access at home. The negative trends this generation was facing prior to the pandemic solidified during the outbreak and the lockdown measures. It will, however, be another 15 years before this generation, along with the 'Millennials' (born between 1981 and 1995/1996) form the majority in the voting age population across the EU, and their views, expectations and attitudes are taken into consideration when designing policies. This is an opportunity to design comprehensive policies that cut across sectors and that address the entire generation under the age of 22/24 in a multidimensional way.

The EU Youth Strategy is a cooperation framework established through a Council Resolution of 27 November 2009, based on previously existing mechanisms for coordinating Member States' policies on young people. It covers the period from 2010 to 2018, during which its tools and operation also underwent significant review and improvement. While the Member States were not under any legal obligation to take action in all of the initiatives listed under the jointly-agreed policy fields, they have introduced measures of multiple kinds (legislative, financial, institutional) to improve the situation and perspectives of young people in education, employment and other relevant areas. In addition, numerous supportive instruments were created at the EU level, including research, networking and funding.

The EU Youth Strategy aims to engage, connect and empower young Europeans. It involves public authorities in the European Union, youth workers, organisations with a role in young people’s lives, and the young people themselves. The EU Youth Strategy promotes opportunities for young people to engage with policymakers and gain experience abroad through youth-focused projects, such as exchanges or volunteering. It offers public authorities and organisations the chance to learn from each other, share good practices, and network.

A number of implementation instruments were used at national and European level to facilitate evidence-based policy making and share best practice. Specific priorities were agreed by Member States in order to advance towards the overall objectives of the Youth Strategy and take into account the most pressing circumstances in the EU. While the Member States were not under any legal obligation to take action in all of the initiatives listed under the jointly-agreed policy fields, they have introduced measures of multiple kinds (legislative, financial, institutional) to improve the situation and perspectives of young people in education, employment and other relevant areas.

This paper focuses on the situation of young people in the labour market in the European Union, for whom the term lost generation is used in the media. It is investigated whether the concept of a Lost Generation is an adequate name for the situation or it is just journalistic hyperbole. The paper is a systematic review. It includes a meta analysis component which involves using statistics. The methods of analysis of statistical data, synthesis of researched findings and monitoring of press and media are used.