Why the outcomes from the Conference on the Future of Europe matter for young people

From the climate crisis, to the economy, health and European democracy, the Conference has sparked debate on all aspects of European life. This past year of debates and discussions has gathered opinions and ideas, from both citizens and decision makers, on what the future of Europe should be like.

Now that we finally have the outcome of the Conference, what do the proposals include?

The final proposals contain important elements to address the challenges and inequalities young people face on the labour market and to enhance their access to participation in democratic life and decision making, including:

• Ensuring quality standards for internships and jobs for young people including on remuneration - putting an end to youth minimum wages and other discriminatory labour law provisions specific to young people;

• Banning of unpaid internships outside formal education via a legal instrument;

• Ensuring access for young people to social protection equal to other age groups;

• Championing the recognition of non-formal and informal learning and the youth organisations that provide it;

• Development of an EU ‘Youth Test’ so that all legislation and policy is subject to a youth focused impact assessment;

• Funding for and implementation of the reinforced European Youth Guarantee including cooperation with youth organisations;

• Consideration and discussion of voting in European Parliament elections from the age of 16.