A new EU initiative launched today, Wednesday, September 15th aims to help young people to gain the knowledge, skills and experience they need to make their first job a reality.

This was stated by Independent MEP Marian Harkin when she warmly welcomed 'Youth on the Move' which proposes 28 key actions aimed at making education and training relevant and available to young people throughout the EU.

"The top ten actions involved in 'Youth on the Move' include information about opportunities to study or gain work experience abroad, including advice about EU Grants and individual rights also job search and financial support to young jobseekers who want to work abroad and to companies - particularly small and medium sized enterprises.
 
She said "Experience in education and training in foreign countries has been proven to enhance the CV's of young people and this initiative provides a fresh opportunity for the many currently unemployed young people in Ireland to consider a career enhancing possibility

"In co-operation with the European Investment Bank the creation of a European Student Lending Facility is being considered to support students who wish to study or train abroad. A 'Youth on the Move' card which would provide benefits and discounts for young people is also being developed. For young entrepreneurs a micro-finance facility will help provide financial support to help young people set up or develop their businesses.

"This initiative is a very welcome indication that the EU is conscious of the problems being encountered in economies under stress, and it should provide encouragement to young people to increase their opportunities and attractiveness to employers when economic recovery occurs" Marian Harkin MEP concluded.

For information on 'Youth on the Move': http://europa.eu/youthonthemove/