Two sides of the same coin: For EUFED, the financial framework for youth and education 2014-2020, presented by the European Commission needs to be carefully assessed

On 29 June 2011, the European Commission presented its post 2013 budget to promote youth mobility in Europe and recognise the high value of non-formal education and training activities(e.g. organised by youth hostels across Europe).

Good news, the European Commission's Multiannual Financial Framework foresees an increased budget by 6 billion € to 15.2 billion € for the 2014–2020 period. EUFED welcomes the proposal focusing on investments in the mobility of young people and values that volunteering as well as non-formal and informal learning have been given special attention. For the first time, sport as an important field of action will also be included in the proposed programme called “Education Europe”.

“Youth Hostel’s richness in creative excellence is recognised by the financial framework of the EU Commission” Constanze Adolf, EUFED Operating Director commented. “However, I doubt that youth hostels as important bridges for supporting social inclusion, sustainable and responsible youth mobility and European citizenship are appropriately represented in the proposed budget line for education, training youth and sport”.

The new programme will focus on:
- Providing targeted transnational learning opportunities;
- Matching skills and labour market demand in order to boost the employability, entrepreneurial spirit and participation of young people; - Volunteering as well as non-formal and informal learning; and
- Supporting widespread reforms and the modernisation of education and training systems throughout Europe and beyond.

EUFED is disappointed to see that the new programme mainly focuses on the employability of young people. Together with the European Parliament and the European Youth Forum, EUFED called for an independent Youth in Action Programme to be continued after 2013 and for € 10 spend per young person. “In the presented EU proposal, it is not clear how the money for the new programme will be spend” stated Constanze Adolf. “Our young generation will form the decision makers from tomorrow. The Youth in Action programme is crucial to develop those transnational learning experiences for young people. Enjoying a wide range of mobility experiences is hugely beneficial for young people’s well-being and achievement. EUFED would like to underline the opportunities for European citizenship, intercultural dialogue, social inclusion and participation through the promotion of non-formal education opportunities provides by the Youth in Action programme.” From 2007-2013, it will provide around 1,000,000 young Europeans with valuable non-formal education experience and mobility possibilities, as well as answers their needs.

Press release of the EU Commission: http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/11/799&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

A Budget for Europe 2020: http://ec.europa.eu/budget/library/biblio/documents/fin_fwk1420/MFF_COM-2011-500_Part_II_en.pdf