EU Competitiveness and Youth Entrepreneurship

Key points

The EESC:

• demands a comprehensive and coordinated EU and Member State strategy that delivers an integrated support package for young entrepreneurs, combining accessible financing, tailored training, mentoring, coaching, incubation and strong local ecosystems to maximise business creation and sustainability;

• calls for a step change in access to finance by expanding youth-tailored funding instruments beyond traditional bank lending, including microfinance, alternative capital, and targeted support for social economy enterprises and other impact-driven models;

• urges decisive simplification of administrative and regulatory frameworks at EU, national and local levels to reduce red tape, lower compliance costs and create a stable, business-friendly environment for young entrepreneurs;

• recommends embedding entrepreneurship education, financial literacy and entrepreneurial mindsets across all education and training systems, particularly vocational and dual pathways, while strengthening digital and advanced skills, including AI, to prepare young people for future markets;

• calls for stronger support ecosystems through mentoring, sponsorship, networking and internationalisation opportunities, including mobility schemes and access to cross-border markets, to enhance innovation, scalability and competitiveness;

• urges inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurship policies that close gaps for underrepresented groups, promote a “second chance” culture, ensure adequate social protection, and position youth entrepreneurship as a voluntary but strategic pathway for resilient labour markets and long-term EU competitiveness.