The role of youth in the economy, their training and education and their inclusion in the labour market constitute a major challenge on all three shores of the Mediterranean.  Countries on southern and eastern shores show significant youth unemployment rates—particularly among young graduates—, which are higher than in other middle-income countries.  Economic growth has been too low in relation to their high population growth rates, coupled with quick economic changes.  This has led to the marginalisation of an increasingly large number of youths in cities, as well as in rural areas.

The need to take urgent actions has been underlined by economists who stress the importance of a new form of “social contract” for all countries in the area in which the youth should become one of the pillars of development models (FEMISE, 2013). Youth unemployment rates have also soared in countries on northern shores, to a large extent a result of the global crisis over the last years. The feeling of being neglected continues to grow even if these issues are now among the governments’ priorities.

Today, local and regional elected officials are fully aware of the importance of creating new prospects for the youth. The future of their territories is clearly at stake on these matters. But do they have room for manoeuvre? How can they contribute to meet the challenge?

2014-2016 Term

Mandated by elected officials, the Mediterranean Commission is studying local schemes and structures that support the inclusion, training and education and entrepreneurship of the youth. The Commission is also looking into international levers and financing, which could be used by local and regional elected officials who wish to launch or expand their efforts in these areas.

Mobility in a framework of a course of education or training is a formidable lever for employment. Consequently, mobility is largely in demand with mediterranean Youth and mobility issues are at the heart of Euro-Mediterranean policies.

The Mediterranean Commission is a partner of Euro-Med Mobility, a platform dedicaded to mobility for youth, education and training.

 

The Euro-Med Mobilities platform provides an answer to everyone, whether individuals or organisations, who wish to benefit from a period of mobility or develop a cooperation in the Euro-Mediterranean area. It is designed to help everyone seize the various opportunities in this geographical area.

Euro-Med Mobilities provides:
– Information regarding cooperation projects and mobility schemes;
– A watch on the latest policies for youth and education;
– Counselling for mobility in this area;
– Guidance towards the various funding offers available.

Euro-Med Mobilities relies on its partners’ expertise to propose a unique offer of cooperation and mobility in the area of education, training and youth.