EU aims to involve young people more in its foreign and sustainability policy

The European Union has set out to involve young people in its foreign and sustainability policy with a plan presented by the European Commission to establish a “strategic” partnership with youth through opportunities and schemes that encourage their participation.

Brussels has stressed that the youth action strategy, the first plan of its kind at EU level, has been drawn up with the participation of more than 200 youth associations and actors and will help fulfill international commitments, such as the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Climate Agreement.

The idea is to give young people a voice and tools in the EU’s external action. “It will position the EU as a bridge at a time of crisis and put youth at the center of EU external policies,” explained International Cooperation Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen.

For the Finnish commissioner this is a “direct response” to the demands of young people who are asking for a step to take into account their vision after the management of the coronavirus pandemic and the climate emergency. Everything converges with the external action of the EU, since, as Urpilainen recalled, 90 percent of young people live in middle and low-income countries.

Under this strategy, the EU will support educational initiatives to improve access to economic opportunities, enhance the ability of young people to contribute to sustainable development and the green and digital transitions.

The youth action plan will reinforce key projects already underway that have young people as the main beneficiaries. It will commit $50 million to formal and informal education for young Africans and will promote exchange programs to foster youth networks on the continent.

The strategy sets aside 40 million to support youth organizations that focus on youth and women’s leadership, strengthening their rights and participation in public and political affairs. Another $10 million will be used to finance youth-led sustainability initiatives at the local level.