The Regional Director for Labour, who is also the Secretary-General of Eurodyssey, called today for a strong mobilisation of European policy makers to award priority status to policies that promote the employability of youngsters.

Rui Bettencourt defended the existence of "educational policies that effectively prepare youngster for the labour market and measures to enhance the professionalism of youngsters, but is necessary that regional decision makers take immediate action." The Regional Director mentioned that "without detriment to the flexibility our economy may need, it is urgent to conduct policies that ensure a stable labour context for youngsters: our Danish, Dutch or Norwegian colleagues are aware that this measures will benefit everyone - youngsters, companies, regions and states - if there is a favourable context to enhance the work of each one."  

Rui Bettencourt, who chaired a meeting of the programme's Steering Committee that was attended by the President of the Assembly of European Regions and Vice-President of the Paris region, Michèle Sabban, proposed that Eurodyssey and the Assembly of European Regions should assume a vital role in promoting the professional mobility of European youngsters, "which is increasingly a key element both in the construction of Europe and in the employability of young Europeans."

Mentioning the fact that he cannot envisage a European future without the effective involvement of young Europeans, the Regional Director considered that "the problems we are facing are due to global issues. But if little actions is taken globally, we must reinforce our action at a local level," stressed the government official, adding that "in face of the current difficulties, we must have the skills to create responses regionally. This is our obligation, our purpose and that is the solution."

Taking into account the goals of Europe 2020 in the field of mobility, Eurydice occupies a central place in the strategies to promote opportunities for European youngsters.

The programme's Steering Committee has also validated the 2011 activity report and the strategic guidelines for 2012, which includes Rui Bettencourt's call.

By proposal of the Azores, the Assembly of European Regions will organise a European forum on "The aspirations of youngsters and responses of European regions" to be held in Strasbourg next fall.