The two-day Informal Meeting of Youth Ministers began today in Bad Ischl. One of the highlights of this event is the ministers' meeting with representatives of European youth organisations. Federal Minister Ursula Haubner, President of the Youth Council, said at the opening press conference: “This event represents a new step, a new signal in our work at European level, in our work with key players, whom we want to treat as true partners. Young people are playing an important part at this informal meeting. For one thing is clear: Europe will have a future only if we listen more carefully to what young people want, and if we try to find solutions together with them to problems and concerns. This way of working together is an important and new sign of our intention of treating the people concerned as partners”. Haubner referred in this connection to the importance and significance of common values in the European Union. She said these values were freedom of opinion, openness to dialogue, equal opportunities for men and women, equal opportunities for all generations and equal access to employment, education and above all to participation rights and involvement in society.
The minister said the meeting of youth ministers is three parts. The priorities lie with the themes that are important for young people, such as employment, education and non-formal learning, and participation rights for young people. The European Council, which met last week in Brussels, had set correct goals in the area of youth employment, she said. The conclusions state that, by 2007, every young person will be offered a job, an apprenticeship, further education or some other preparation for employment within six months. The six months are to be reduced to four by 2010. The Heads of State and Government also agreed to reduce the proportion of early school leavers to 10%. “A key concern of a social Europe is: social integration, specifically for those who are less performance-oriented or who are disadvantaged”, Haubner stressed. Another important item on the agenda is non-formal and informal learning. "Young people must also get recognition for extra qualifications and social commitment, such as voluntary work or through activities in youth organisations. Such competences must be given a new status. It is important to send the correct signals at European level”, Haubner said. On the third theme of the meeting, involving young people in shaping society, Minister Haubner declared: “A great deal has been done both in the Member States and at European level through local and regional initiatives. There are many good ideas, and we can learn from one another”.
Email Service
Accreditation
Hotel Reservation
Route Planner
Weather