42015Y1215(01)

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Document 42015Y1215(01)

Resolution of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on a European Union Work Plan for Youth for 2016-2018

OJ C 417, 15.12.2015, p. 1–9 (BG, ES, CS, DA, DE, ET, EL, EN, FR, HR, IT, LV, LT, HU, MT, NL, PL, PT, RO, SK, SL, FI, SV)

Date of document:: 15/12/2015; Date of publication

Author:: Council of the European Union, Representatives of the Governments of the Member States
Form:: Resolution
Authentic language:: English

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Subject matter:

Education, vocational training and youth

Directory code:

05.20.05.00 Freedom of movement for workers and social policy / Social policy / General social provisions

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Official Journal

15.12.2015

Official Journal of the European Union

C 417/1

Resolution of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on a European Union Work Plan for Youth for 2016-2018

(2015/C 417/01)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE MEMBER STATES,

I. INTRODUCTION

RECOGNISE that, since the adoption of the Resolution on a Renewed Framework for European cooperation in the Youth field 2010-2018, and the adoption of the EU Work Plan for Youth for 2014-2015, the crisis has continued to have a deep and disproportional impact on young people in Europe and their transition into adulthood.

RECOGNISE that there is a need for reinforced cross-sectoral cooperation in the youth field at EU level in order to adequately deal with these challenges.

TAKE NOTE of the European Commission's intention to prioritise combating radicalisation, marginalisation of youth and promoting inclusion of young people in social, cultural and civic life under the Strategic Framework for European Cooperation on Education and Training (‘ET 2020’), the renewed framework for European cooperation in the youth field (2010-2018), the EU Work Plan for Sport (2014-2017) and the Culture Work Plan (2015-2018). (1)

TAKE NOTE of the joint Council Commission EU Youth Report 2015 (2), notably its section 5, ‘The way forward in EU youth cooperation’.

Consequently AGREE to establish a 36 month EU Work Plan for Youth for Member States and Commission action for the period of 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2018, in order to support the implementation of the Renewed Framework for European Cooperation in the youth field (2010-2018).

II. PRINCIPLES

CONSIDER that the Work Plan, whilst respecting subsidiarity, should be governed by the following guiding principles. It should:

—	build on the achievements of the previous Work Plan for Youth (2014-2015);

—	give impetus and prominence as appropriate to EU level work in the youth field;

—	ensure, through cross-sectorial cooperation, the awareness of other EU policy domains on the specific issues faced by young people;

—	contribute to the overarching priorities of the EU's security, economic and social policy agendas;

—	work towards knowledge and evidence based youth policy;

—	remain a flexible instrument which can lead to adequate responses to a changing policy environment in a timely way;

—	promote a cooperative and concerted approach among Member States and the Commission enabling them to create added value on the priority themes set out in paragraph 6 (see below);

—	build on synergies with the Erasmus+ programme, inter alia, by contributing to the identification of youth specific priorities for the Erasmus+ annual work programme;

—	involve young people making use of consultative procedures to ensure that the Work Plan addresses the issues that are relevant to them.

AGREE that, in light of current developments, the following themes should be given priority by Member States and the Commission in their cooperation at EU level for the period covered by the present Work Plan up to the end of 2018:

Youth work and cross-sectorial cooperation shall be strengthened with the following aims, in line with the priorities agreed in the joint EU Youth Report 2015:

A.	Increased social inclusion of all young people, taking into account the underlying European values;

B.	Stronger participation of all young people in democratic and civic life in Europe;

C.	Easier transition of young people from youth to adulthood, in particular the integration into the labour market;

D.	Support to young people's health and well-being, including mental health;

E.	Contribution to addressing the challenges and opportunities of the digital era for youth policy, youth work and young people;

F.	Contribution to responding to the opportunities and challenges raised by the increasing numbers of young migrants and refugees in the European Union.

AGREE that, while Member States and the Commission's action, as set out in Annex I, shall be directed towards all young people, particular emphasis shall be given to the following groups:

—	Young people at risk of marginalisation

—	Young people neither in employment, nor education or training (NEET)

—	Young people with a migrant background, including newly arrived immigrants and young refugees.

AGREE that the Work Plan may be revised by the Council in light of results achieved and policy developments at EU level.

AGREE on a list of specific actions in line with these priority themes and a timetable for their implementation, as set out in Annex I.

III. WORKING METHODS AND STRUCTURES

10.

RECOGNISE that:

There is a need to reinforce youth mainstreaming and results-oriented cross sectorial cooperation within the Council in order to ensure, when possible, that policy making in all relevant areas takes into account young people's aspirations, conditions and needs.

11.

AGREE that

—

The following working methods will, where appropriate, support the implementation of this Work Plan: the Open Method of Coordination as agreed in the Renewed Framework for European Cooperation in the Youth Field, and notably, knowledge and evidence-based policymaking, expert groups, peer learning activities, peer reviews, studies, conferences, seminars, dissemination of results, the Informal Forum with youth representatives, Directors General for Youth meetings and the Structured Dialogue with young people.

—

All methods, including the expert groups, will focus their work on the priority themes outlined in Section II, paragraph 6, and on actions and target dates listed in Annex I. The actions in Annex I may be revised by the Council and the Representatives of Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council, in light of results achieved and policy developments at EU level.

—	The principles relating to membership and functioning of the expert groups are set out in the Annex II.

—	With respect to the right of young people to participate in the development, the implementation and the assessment of policies affecting them, the consultative procedures will allow young people to engage in joint reflection on the priority themes of this Work Plan.

—	The informal meetings of Directors General for Youth shall examine strategic issues arising in connection with this Work Plan, as well as those relating more generally to EU youth policy.

—	In the first half of 2018, the implementation of the present Work Plan will be evaluated by the Council and the Commission, on the basis of the joint assessment of its implementation, to be carried out in the context of the EU Youth Report.

12.

IN LIGHT OF THE ABOVE, INVITE

Member States and the Commission to establish expert groups on the following subjects for the duration of the current Work Plan:

—

Defining the specific contribution of youth work as well as non-formal and informal learning to

a)	fostering active citizenship and participation of young people in diverse and tolerant societies as well as preventing marginalisation, and radicalisation potentially resulting in violent behaviour.

b)	responding to the opportunities and challenges raised by the increasing numbers of young migrants and refugees in the European Union

—	Addressing the risks, opportunities, and implications of digitalization for youth, youth work and youth policy.

IV. ACTIONS

13.

INVITE MEMBER STATES, WITH DUE REGARD FOR THE PRINCIPLE OF SUBSIDIARITY, TO:

—	work together with the support of the Commission, using the working methods specified by this Resolution;

—	continue promoting the active involvement of youth ministries in national policy-making related to the Europe 2020 Strategy and the European Semester, following up on the Council Conclusions on ‘Maximising the potential of youth policy in addressing the goals of Europe 2020 Strategy’;

—	take due account of the Renewed Framework for European cooperation in the Youth field 2010-2018 and of this Work Plan when developing policy at national and regional level, where appropriate;

—	inform relevant authorities, young people and youth organisations on progress made in implementing the EU Work Plan on Youth, in order to ensure relevance and visibility of activities.

14.

INVITE THE PRESIDENCIES OF THE COUNCIL TO:

—	based on the results of the mid-term evaluation of the EU Youth Strategy, consider appropriate follow-up;

—	take into account, in the context of the Team Presidency, the EU Work Plan priority themes when developing their programme;

—	inform the Council Youth Working Party on the work carried out by other Council preparatory bodies that has a direct or indirect impact on young people or youth policy;

—	take into account, in the context of the Team Presidency, pending elements of the previous Work Plan (2014-2015);

—	consider proposing a new Work Plan at the end of the 36 months covered by the present Resolution, on the basis of the assessment and evaluation referred to in point 11;

—	provide opportunities for Member States and stakeholders in the youth field to discuss the future of the European cooperation in the youth field after 2018;

—

propose to the Directors General for Youth in their customary informal meeting to discuss and take up the results obtained under the Work Plan, to organise extraordinary joint cross sectorial Directors General meetings when appropriate, to widely disseminate the results and to contribute to the assessment of the implementation of the EU Work Plan on Youth.

15.

INVITE THE COMMISSION TO:

—	support the capacity building of youth workers and in youth work, through the implementation of the Erasmus+ programme, as one of the key elements for the development of quality youth work in Europe;

—	support and work with the Member States in the implementation of this Work Plan, in particular the actions outlined in the Annex;

—	inform the Member States on ongoing or planned initiatives and studies in EU youth policy and other relevant policy areas impacting on youth and respective developments in the Commission;

—	regularly consult and inform stakeholders at European level, including civil society and youth representatives, on the progress of the Work Plan in order to ensure relevance and visibility of activities.

—	encourage better outreach of and synergies within the EU programmes as well as cooperation with other international organisations like the Council of Europe.

16.

INVITE THE MEMBER STATES AND THE COMMISSION, WITHIN THEIR RESPECTIVE SPHERES OF COMPETENCE, WITH DUE REGARD FOR THE PRINCIPLE OF SUBSIDIARITY, TO:

—	continue close cooperation at expert level in accordance with Annexes I and II of this Resolution;

—	take into account the priorities of this Work Plan in the preparations for the annual Erasmus+ work programme in the field of youth, inter alia, regarding the general objectives of the annual Erasmus+ Work Programme, the Partnership Agreement with the Council of Europe, and the Youth Wiki;

—	encourage other sectors to take the youth dimension into account when formulating, implementing and evaluating policies and actions in other policy fields, with particular attention to ensuring the early and effective inclusion of the youth dimension in the policy development process;

—	promote better recognition of the contribution of youth policies to the overall goals of European policies addressing young people, considering positive effects on active citizenship, employment, social inclusion, culture and innovation, education and training as well as health and well-being.

(1) COM(2015) 185 final.

(2) Doc. 13635/15

ANNEX I

Actions, Instruments, Deadlines based on priority themes

Actions based on priority themes

Working method/Instrument

Output and target date

Ref.

Priority A:

Increased social inclusion of all young people, taking into account the underlying European values

Council and preparatory Bodies

The role of the youth sector in preventing violent radicalisation

First Half 2016

(poss.) Council Debate

Knowledge and evidence-based policymaking

Commission Study on youth work quality systems and frameworks in the European Union

Second half 2016:

Handbook for Implementation

Structured dialogue/Council and preparatory Bodies

‘Essential life skills and competences of young people in a diverse, connected and inclusive Europe for active participation in community and working life.’

First Half of 2017:

(poss.) Council Resolution

Priority B:

Stronger participation of all young people in democratic and civil life in Europe

Expert Group

Defining the specific contribution of youth work as well as non-formal and informal learning to fostering active citizenship and participation of young people in diverse and tolerant societies and preventing marginalisation, radicalisation potentially resulting in violent behaviour.

First Half 2017

—

Report

—	(poss.) Council Conclusions

Knowledge and evidence-based policymaking

Commission Study on the impact of transnational volunteering through the European Voluntary Service

First Half 2017:

—

Report

—	(poss.) Council Conclusions responding to the Study

Seminar for youth and sports policymakers:

‘Democracy, youth and sport — cross-sectoral approaches for the active participation and engagement of young people in civic and democratic life through sport.’

Second Half of 2017:

Seminar report on best practices and recommendations on how cross-sectoral approaches between youth and sport can promote democratic values and civic engagement among young people.

Priority C:

Easier transition of young people from youth to adulthood, in particular the integration into the labour market

Peer learning among Member States and Commission/Directors General

‘Youth work as a recognised and value added tool for cross-sectoral cooperation in supporting young people's transition to adulthood and the world of work.’

Second half of 2017:

Report on best practices and recommendations on youth work as a recognised and value added tool for cross-sectoral cooperation in supporting young people's transition to adulthood and the world of work.

Knowledge and evidence-based policymaking

Commission Study on Youth work and youth entrepreneurship

Second Half 2017

—

Report

—	(poss.) Council Conclusions responding to the Study

Priority D:

Support to young people's health and well-being, including mental health

Council and preparatory Bodies

Cross-sectoral cooperation on participation to promote young people's health and well-being in the transition to adulthood, in particular for youth with mental health issues (1), often related to their transition to adulthood. Focussing on their possible contribution to society instead of their problems.

a) First Half 2016

(poss.) Council Conclusions

b) Second Half 2017

Cross-sectoral peer learning amongst Member States

Priority E:

Contribution to addressing the challenges and opportunities of the digital era for youth policy, youth work and young people

Council and preparatory Bodies

New approaches in youth work in order to maximize the development of potential and talent of young people and their inclusion in the society.

New, modern and appealing ways of youth work including on-line youth work practices will be highlighted in order to reflect the new trends in young people's lives and the maximizing the outreach of youth work to include more young people in its activities.

Second Half 2016

(poss.) Council Conclusions

Peer Learning

New practices in youth work and making the youth work more appealing to young people.

First Half 2017

Report on existing practises reflecting the trends and recommendations on implementation into daily youth work practise

Expert Group

‘Risks, opportunities, and implications of digitalization for youth, youth work and youth policy’

Second Half 2017

Report of the expert Group

Knowledge and evidence-based policymaking

Commission Study on Impact of internet and social media on youth participation and youth work

First Half 2018

Report

Council and preparatory Bodies

Development of innovative methods in youth work, including digital tools, in order to better meet young people's needs and aspirations in more efficient, smart and relevant way and to foster cross-sectoral cooperation.

First Half 2018

(poss.) Council Conclusions, responding, i.a. to actions E3 and E4 above.

Priority F:

Contribution to responding to the opportunities and challenges raised by the increasing numbers of young migrants and refugees in the European Union.

Expert Group

Defining the specific contribution of youth work as well as non-formal and informal learning to responding to the opportunities and challenges raised by the increasing numbers of young migrants and refugees in the European Union

Second Half 2018

—

Report

—	(poss.) Council Conclusions responding to the Report

Other

Topic

Instrument/Action

Output and target date

EU Youth Strategy

Peer Learning

(a)	Commission proposal for a flexible framework

First Half 2016

Formalisation of Flexible Framework for Peer Learning Activities

Knowledge and evidence-based policymaking

(b)	Mid-Term Evaluation of the EU Youth Strategy and the Recommendation of the Mobility of Young Volunteers across the European Union

Second Half 2016:

(poss.) Council Conclusions responding to the evaluation, including evaluation of the Council Recommendation on Mobility of Young Volunteers across the European Union

(c)	EU Youth Report

First Half 2018:

Joint EU Youth Report

Erasmus+

Knowledge and evidence-based policymaking

Mid-term evaluation of Erasmus+ and its predecessor programs

First Half 2018:

Response to the evaluation in cooperation with the relevant sectors (Education, Training, Youth, Sports)

(1) Which includes severe and common psychiatric problems, psychological distress and (temporary) psychological malfunctioning in periods with tempting life challenges or crises.

ANNEX II

Principles relating to the membership and functioning of expert groups established by the Member States and the Commission in the framework of the EU Work Plan for Youth (1 January 2016-31 December 2018)

Membership:

—	The participation of Member States in the work of the groups is voluntary and Member States can join them at any time.

—

Member States interested in participating in the work of the groups will nominate experts as members of the respective groups. Member States will ensure that the nominated experts have relevant experience in the relevant field at national level. The nominated experts will ensure effective communication with competent national authorities. The Commission shall coordinate the nomination exercise.

—

Each expert group can decide to invite other participants: independent experts, representatives of youth organisations, youth researchers, and other stakeholders, as well as representatives of third countries. Each expert group can propose to add other participants for the whole working period with the requirement that their membership be approved unanimously by the expert group.

Mandate

The mandate of the Expert Group shall be proposed by the Commission in accordance with Paragraph 12 of the Work Plan and adjusted in the light of the comments expressed at the Council Working Party on Youth.

Working procedures

—	Expert groups will concentrate on delivering a small number of concrete and useable results on the subject requested.

—

To implement this Work Plan, each expert group will be responsible for appointing its chair or co-chairs at the first expert group meeting after the adoption of the Work Plan. The election of the Chairs will be conducted in an open and transparent manner coordinated by the Commission acting as the secretariat of the expert groups. Each expert group will prepare a work schedule according to this Work Plan.

—	The Commission will provide expertise as well as logistical support to the work of the groups. To the extent possible, it shall support the groups by other suitable means (including studies relevant to their field of work).

Reporting and information

The Chairs of the expert groups will report to the Working Party on Youth on progress made and outcomes produced. If appropriate, the Council Working Party on Youth will provide further guidance to the expert group, in order to guarantee the desired outcome and timeline. Directors General shall be kept informed on the outcomes produced.

The meeting agendas and meeting reports of all groups will be available to all Member States, irrespective of their degree of participation in a given area. Outputs of groups shall be published.

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