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97 youth delegates and 90 political representatives met during the Spanish EU youth conference, in order to jointly define the priorities on youth employment to be addressed at European level.

The Jerez EU Youth Conference was the first one to take place within the context of the revised mechanisms for structured dialogue with young people. Young participants, the European Commission and Member States government officials jointly debated the outcome of national consultations carried out with young people on youth employment, which is the current theme of the structured dialogue.

During three intense days of discussions they have reached Joint Conclusions that set the most important priorities to improve youth employment at EU level. This is a key issue that needs to be addressed due to high youth unemployment rates reaching a staggering 20% about twice as high as the average unemployment rate.

The results of the conference reiterate an emphasis on access to the labour market for the youth, a smooth transition from education to work environment, entrepreneurship, equal opportunities and education, life long learning, mobility and new ICT.

The conclusions were presented to the European Commissioner for Youth, Androulla Vassiliou and to the Spanish Minister for Equality, Bibiana Aido who will further pass them to the Council of Ministers on May 11 in Brussels.

More information:Joint conclusions of the Spanish Presidency EU Youth Conference