Friday, March 29, 2024

Europe seeks to tackle „brain drain” of young people from hard-hit regions

05.10.2022, 12:21 Update: 05.10.2022, 12:27
EC - Audiovisual Service
EC - Audiovisual Service

Freedom of movement is fundamental to the European Union, yet it can result in an exit of young talent and workforces from one region to another. A recent dialogue between young leaders and EU Commissioner Elisa Ferreira underlined areas that need addressing and showcased several measures to tackle the issue.

As part of the European Year of Youth, Commissioner Ferreira invited young participants from across Europe to discuss solutions for brain drain and to exchange ideas. The policy dialogue took place in September and involved 13 young leaders representing bodies such as national youth councils and employers’ associations.

Opening the dialogue, the Commissioner stressed the importance of young people in creating new businesses, services and solutions. On their turn, the participants highlighted several sectors that need more support, such as Hhealthcare, social services or energy sectors transitioning to green sources.

Several participants suggested that the transition to new economic models could safeguard our environment and provide social safety nets for more vulnerable people.

„Economic growth can also be the backbone of some of the problems young people are facing in Europe,” - said María Rodríguez Alcázar, board member of the European Youth Forum. 

The participantss and the Commissioner alike agreed that a deeper involvement in democracy would encourage young people to stay in regions. Talking about his own country, Jan Pałasz, member of the board at the Polish Council of Youth, said: „Compared to a year ago, the percentage of those undecided about whether to stay or go abroad for work has increased fivefold to 15 pct”.

Commissioner Ferreira thanked all participants for joining and contributing. She acknowledged the demand for quality of life and a feeling of inclusion, not only jobs. Several EU-funded instruments and initiatives currently support young people and safeguard regions against brain drain. One is the New European Bauhaus, an interdisciplinary initiative that promotes the Green Deal. „The Bauhaus idea” - said the Commissioner, „is that every year we offer a prize to young people who improve the quality of their environment, and they receive a prize.”

It aims to promote sustainability, inclusiveness, and attractive, comfortable living spaces.

More support is coming next year. The European Year of Skills in 2023, announced by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, earlier in September, will help to address brain drain across Europe.

mr/

PLIKI COOKIES

Ta strona korzysta z plików cookie. Sprawdź naszą politykę prywatności, żeby dowiedzieć się więcej.