C Explanatory memorandum by Mr Jakič,
rapporteur for opinion
1. I wish to congratulate our
colleague Mr Volontè on his report on “The young generation sacrificed:
social, economic and political implications of the financial crisis”.
I believe that the principal conclusions contained in the draft
resolution tabled by the Committee on Social Affairs, Health, and
Sustainable Development should be supported.
2. The draft resolution adopted by the Committee on Social Affairs,
Health and Sustainable Development constitutes a timely response
to pressing social and economic issues.
3. Additionally, I recall that, in earlier texts,
Note the Parliamentary Assembly has addressed
both the impact of the economic crisis on young workers as well
as potential solutions. Reference to such prior work in the draft resolution
would strengthen the conclusions made therein.
4. With regard to the final sentence of paragraph 1 of the draft
resolution, it remains unclear what “painful sacrifices” the young
generation has been forced to make in the current financial crisis
and additional clarification in future work would be appreciated.
5. Furthermore, the assertion in the draft resolution, first
sentence of paragraph 2, that “very serious discrimination” is directed
against young people lacks clarity. Elsewhere in the draft resolution,
the implication is that young people have difficulty finding work
because of a lack of work experience, training and skills – not because
of systemic discrimination against them. I fully agree with the
statement that “the young generation in Europe is disproportionally
hit by the unemployment/underemployment-poverty-exclusion trap”,
which accurately describes the situation. The present text could
imply that there is an additional layer of age discrimination preventing
youth from achieving financial success, which I do not think is
the position of the rapporteur.
6. I agree with Mr Volontè that member States should “ensure
that young people have full access to all their human (including
social) rights”. I feel, however, that the Assembly could usefully
add another sub-paragraph urging them “to maintain adequate remuneration
and working conditions for young workers”.
7. In paragraph 17 of the explanatory memorandum, the integration
of young workers is mentioned as a means of preventing massive migration
of European young people from their home countries. However, greater
discussion and explanation of how such integration can be achieved
is necessary.
8. Utilising or drawing from successful economic models is one
potential avenue for reducing youth unemployment. Paragraphs 20
and 23 provide examples of countries (such as the United Kingdom,
the Netherlands, Austria, and Norway) cited for their relatively
low youth unemployment rates. However, the models used in these
countries, and how they could provide solutions which could be replicated
in order to combat youth unemployment elsewhere in Europe, are not
explained.
