A renewed framework for European cooperation in the youth field

The EU ministers working with youth policy have adopted a new framework for EU cooperation on youth policy to be implemented and followed between 2010-2018. The overarching goals are to create more and equal opportunities for all young people in the education system and on the labour market, and to promote active citizenship and social inclusion.

In November 2009, the new framework for European cooperation on youth issues was adopted. This framework laid the foundation has for political cooperation in the areas that affect young people the most: Education and training; Employment and entrepreneurship; Health and well-being; Participation; Voluntary activities; Social inclusion;
Youth and the world; Creativity and culture.

The new framework specifies overarching goals, priorities, working methods and follow-up systems. The goals of this cooperation are the creation of more and equal opportunities for all young people in the education system and labour market, promotion of active citizenship and social inclusion.

The new framework was based on the European Commission's April 2009 proposal on a new EU strategy for youth. The major evaluation of EU youth policy undertaken in all Member States in 2008 provided another important starting point.

Before the decision was made, extensive consultations with young people and youth organisations took place. On 12-14 September a major conference was arranged in Stockholm with young people from the entire EU, EFTA and candidate countries, officials, researchers, and others working with youth issues. This was the last round of consultations before the new framework for cooperation was adopted in November. A structured dialogue will continue to be an important part of the future cooperation.