The challenges and opportunities faced by young people require a comprehensive public youth policy that supports their transition into adulthood. This policy must be cross-sectoral, addressing the obstacles young people encounter and guided by political objectives set by local, regional, national, or international bodies (Siurala 2005, p. 7). Education and training are key components of the youth experience and vital pathways for their future, making them crucial areas for policy development.
Youth policy in education and training approaches the issue from two perspectives: firstly, from the viewpoint of young people, addressing their educational needs, and secondly, from the perspective of other sectors (education, training, employment, social, family, and health policies), which all significantly impact the education and training of youth.
At the European level, the European Union institutions (Council, Parliament, and Commission) and the Council of Europe (Directorate-General for Education, Culture, Heritage, Youth, and Sport) play a central role in shaping policies. Key documents like the European Commission’s “White Paper – A New Impetus for European Youth” (2001) and policies following the Lisbon strategy, such as the Education and Training 2010 agenda, have laid the groundwork for ongoing developments. The Council of Europe’s policies have evolved over decades, with pivotal resolutions and recommendations addressing youth education and training, such as the 2008 resolution and the Declaration of the 8th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth.
The connection between non-formal and informal education and training, active citizenship, social inclusion, and cultural diversity is reflected in European youth policies. The White Paper (2001) emphasized youth participation in democratic citizenship and autonomy, encouraging Member States to enhance cooperation and integrate youth-focused education and training strategies into sectoral policies. The importance of non-formal learning, especially through voluntary youth work, has been underscored, highlighting its value for both personal development and employability.
The EU’s “Youth” programme (2000-2006), followed by “Youth in Action” (2007-2013), embodies European youth policy in practice, supporting transnational cooperation, exchange, and the recognition of non-formal learning experiences. The European Youth Forum plays a pivotal role in ensuring quality youth training and promoting the recognition of informal learning through initiatives like Youthpass.
The Council of Europe further enhances youth education through its educational priorities, focusing on human rights, citizenship education, and quality youth work training. The European Youth Centres in Strasbourg and Budapest, alongside the European Youth Foundation, support non-formal education for young people, while the Partnership on Youth between the Council of Europe and the European Commission fosters collaboration on youth education policies.
A significant challenge remains the recognition of non-formal education and the competencies acquired outside traditional schooling. Several European conferences and projects have addressed this, notably focusing on how to recognize and validate non-formal learning. The Youth in Action program has developed instruments like Youthpass to support this recognition process.
The European Youth Pact, adopted in 2005, aimed at improving youth employability and social inclusion, continues to be a major initiative, emphasizing youth employment and education as core components of the EU’s social and economic strategies.
As global perspectives on education evolve, the European Youth Forum calls for a holistic approach, integrating formal, non-formal, and informal education to prepare young people for a globalized workforce.
