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Ending Precarity – Towards Quality Employment and Strong Protection for Young People in Europe

08/05/2026

Across Europe, young people face increasing uncertainty in accessing quality employment, affordable housing, and full participation in society. Labour market entry remains structurally unequal, with young people disproportionately affected by precarious employment, including temporary contracts, unpaid internships, and other types of non-standard forms of work.

According to Eurostat, around one-third of young workers in the EU are employed on temporary contracts, a rate far higher than among older workers. Unpaid and underpaid internships continue to limit equal opportunities, particularly for those from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds. At the same time, around 1 in 10 young workers are at risk of in-work poverty.

The expansion of platform work and other emerging non-standard forms of employment has further blurred employment relationships and access to rights. In parallel, the housing crisis - characterised by rising rents, speculative dynamics, and insufficient investment in affordable housing - undermines young people’s autonomy, access to employment, and ability to build an independent life.

Read the motion to find out more.

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