Currently youth unemployment is a grave issue in the European Union. 23.5% of Europeans under the age of 25 (approximately 7.5 million) across the EU are currently out of work. In March 2013, the lowest rates were observed in Germany and Austria (both 7.6%), The Netherlands (10.5%), and the highest in Greece (59.1% in January 2013), Spain (55.9%), Italy (38.4%) and Portugal (38.3%)“. Although Poland, has had positive economic growth since the start of the Euro-zone crisis, youth unemployment is still a problem that it is grappling with.
The EU leaders at the European Council meeting on 27-28 June in Brussels endorsed a comprehensive plan to combat youth unemployment. While these political plans take shape, we have seen great examples of grassroots actions that have been raising awareness and addressing the immediate concerns of young people in these difficult times.
Most notably, Kamil Mroz is working with his project in Brussels to tackle youth unemployment. His project is entirely driven by volunteers. It is called “Your Future in Brussels”, which is helping young graduates, unemployed professionals and interns with practical elements of the CVs, sharing of best-practices on the job market and above all letting them know that they are not alone in these uncertain times.
Last week RadioX, Kamil Mroz provided an update on the great work being done by a host of volunteers and organisations, including JCI The Heart of Europe to tackle this major problem
Check it out at: Radio X and on Youtube
Photo © Kamil Mroz