In his letter, President Peter Matjašič, stresses that "the Youth Forum is very concerned with the worsening of the crisis and its impact on state budgets in the short term period. The vicious circle of a weak recovery and high debt risks to endanger the future of the Euro, the European economy, the cohesion of European societies and ultimately of the achievements and progress done in over 50 years of European integration. At the same time we are convinced that austerity measures alone are not the answer to tackle the difficulties many young Europeans are facing in accessing the labour market – many are un(der)paid or work in extremely precarious conditions – and becoming autonomous and active citizens. Increased investments in education, training and youth combined with incentives for new job creation is fundamental. The cuts in those budget lines can make the crisis only worse in the long run."

Finally, he highlights the role of youth organisations as key partners of the European leaders to reach out to young people: "We, the youth organisations in Europe, put ourselves at your disposal to help you with this task – with our expertise and outreach to European youth. Young people, in times of crisis and economic austerity, do not need nice words but strong investments. Young people must be a political and financial priority for Europe. Youth deserves nothing less!"

Download the Open Letter of the European Youth Forum to President Van Rompuy

Today, the second annual European Youth Day was held at the Committee of the Regions in Brussels.

The opening keynote speeches included a video message from Mr. Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council.  He assured that youth unemployment would be at the core of the European Council debates next week. “The future of youth is at the heart of Europe today… We need to regain young people’s trust,” he said.

In the first panel on Youth Mobility in Higher Education, MEP Doris Pack discussed the Erasmus for All programme and its controversial minimum allowances for programs within it, including Youth in Action.  She focused on the need for policy makers to listen to young people when delegating money between programs. The second discussion on Employment and Volunteering included Peter Matjasic, President of the European Youth Forum, who called upon the Commission to use uncommitted resources from the European Social Fund to give opportunities to young people through non-formal learning. The European Youth Forum continues to advocate for a strong and independent Youth in Action Programme and an ambitious European Youth Employment Plan.

Laszlo Andor, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion concluded the conference portion of the day by addressing the Youth Opportunity Initiative and measures the Commission is taking to improve internships and unemployment.

For more information and pictures from European Youth Day 2012, visit the event website here.