Youth action plan in the EU external action

Key points

The EESC:

• While welcoming the Youth Action Plan (YAP) in EU external action, points out that there may be challenges in the roll-out and delivery, which will need monitoring and oversight. It would like to see constant attention paid during implementation to the most marginalised young people, and all leadership work being complemented by an equal focus on grassroots support for youth in local communities.
• Expresses its wish to be actively involved in the implementation of YAP.
• Believes that the expertise and experience of youth organisations in the EU, and around the world, is a great resource in the delivery of the plan, both for the European Commission and the EU delegations.
• Recommends that target countries should be encouraged and given the tools to have their own tangible dedicated youth policies and national youth councils or equivalents.
• Is of the opinion that activities focusing on education should be centred on equality, particularly protecting young girls, and that strategies should ensure the engagement of hardest to reach.
• Welcomes and encourages links with the work of the United Nations (UN) and its' agencies in this area, particularly with regard to the Youth Peace and Security Agenda and any synergies with the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.