A successful and smooth transition from education to the labour market is one of the key concerns of the European Youth Forum (YFJ), especially in a period where young Europeans face difficulties in getting a decent and stable job. The YFJ believes that internships can play a key role in facilitation this transition, provided that the learning dimension of internships is ensured and that internships do not replace paid work.

The YFJ also welcomes the fact that European institutions, as well as national public entities, private companies and non-governmental organisations are providers of internship opportunities. However, very often, some of these entities are the first ones to disregard the main fundamental requirements when it comes to internships in terms of quality, remuneration, social benefits and counselling. Therefore the YFJ calls upon all European institutions, national public entities, private companies and NGOs to provide quality and framed internships and to apply a clear and coherent code of conduct, leading by example of what internships should be like.

In this sense, the YFJ has developed this Opinion Paper, outlining what are the requirements for an internship to be a quality one, both when part of a formal educational programme as well as when taking part outside formal education. The Paper also encompasses the YFJ demands towards other stakeholders on how to ensure quality internships for young Europeans.