Organization for Youth Education & Development (OYED)

European Union Resolutions on Youth Policy

European Union Resolutions on Youth Policy

In the section below we intend to list the resolutions on youth issues adopted by the European Union in the past 50 years. We also offer a short description of each document, focusing on the role it had in the empowerment of young people. Resolutions are legal acts issued by the European Council, and the European Parliament that set out jointly held views and intentions regarding the overall process of integration and specific tasks within and outside the EU. Their primary significance is that they help to give the future work of the Council a political direction and they make it considerably easier to achieve consensus within the Council. 1

1971
• 71/55/Euratom: Council Resolution of 17 December 1970 on the detailed rules for adopting research and education programs
Source: OJ L 16, 20.1.1971, p. 13-13

1974
• Resolution of the Ministers of Education, meeting within the Council, on the 6th of June, 1974 on cooperation in the field of education
Promotion of cooperation between Member States, universities, and research centers in the field of education. Encouragement of the freedom of movement and mobility of teachers, students and research workers with the removal of administrative and social obstacles. 2
Source: OJ C 98, 20.8.1974, p. 2-2

1976
• Resolution of the Council and of the Ministers of Education, meeting within the Council, on the 9th of February, 1976 comprising an action program in the field of education
Promotion of closer relations between educational systems in Europe, cooperation in the field of higher education through the implementation of joint programs and short study visits between students and researchers between EU Member States. 3
Source: OJ C 38, 19.2.1976, p. 1-5

• Resolution of the Council and of the Ministers of Education, meeting within the Council, on the 13th of December, 1976 concerning measures to be taken to improve the preparation of young people for work and to facilitate their transition from education to working life
In this document, the Council of the EU emphasizes the need for an appropriate development of curricula and teaching methods, providing appropriate preparation for working life at all stages. 4br /> Source: OJ C 308, 30.12.1976, p. 1-3

1980
• Council Resolution of the 18th of December, 1979 on linked work and training for young persons
This legal document provides guidelines aimed at Member States for linking work and training, especially for people undergoing apprenticeships or post-educational training courses 5
Source: OJ C 1, 3.1.1980, p. 1-2

• Resolution of the Council and of the Ministers of Education, meeting with the Euopean Council on the 15th of January, 1980 concerning measures to be taken to improve the preparation of young people for work and to facilitate their transition from education to working life
The document ratifies the adoption of pilot education programs at the EU-level. 6
Source: OJ C 23, 30.1.1980, p. 1-2

• Resolution embodying the opinion of the European Parliament on the Proposal from the Commission of the European Communities for the consideration of the European Council, adopting a five-year research and training program (1989 to 1984,) creating the European Atomic Energy Community in the field of Biology, and the Health Protection (Radiation Protection Program)
Source: OJ C 34, 11.2.1980, p. 102

1981
• Resolution of the European Parliament on Youth Activities Official Journal C 077, 06/04/1981 P. 0058: The European Parliament stresses the importance of developing policies at the Community level involving young people and recognizing the significant contribution already made by the European Youth Forum. The European Youth Forum wants to encourage the activities of the European Commission on youth education and training and promoting youth exchanges.

1982
• Resolution on a Community Program in the field of Education
Source: OJ C 87, 5.4.1982, p. 90

• Resolution on Youth Unemployment
Source: OJ C 125, 17.5.1982 7

• Resolution of the Council and of the Ministers for Education, meeting within the Council, on the 12th of July, 1982 concerning measures to be taken to improve the preparation of young people for work and to facilitate their transition from education to working life
This Council Resolution sets up the provision and development of systematic guidance for young people regarding future career opportunities, and simultaneously, encourages the development of practical cooperation between education authorities and employment and social agencies. 8
Source: OJ C 193, 28.7.1982, p. 1-2

1983
• Resolution on a European Community Program to promote European Youth Exchanges Development of the European Youth Exchange Program
Source: Official Journal C 184, 11.7.1983

• Council resolution of the 2nd of June, 1983 concerning vocational training measures relating to new information technologies 9

• Resolution of the Council and the Ministers for Education, meeting within the Council, on the 19th of September, 1983 on measures relating to the introduction of new information technology in education
In this document the Council drafts several measures which should be taken, at the EU-level, for the Introduction of the information technologies in relation to vocational training, advanced training, and teaching in schools. 10
Source: OJ C 256, 24.9.1983, p. 1-2

1984
• Resolution closing the procedure for consultation by the European Parliament on the proposal from the Commission of European Communities to the Council, for a decision establishing a third joint program to encourage the exchange of young workers within the European community
Source: OJ C 337, 17.12.1984, p. 458

• Resolution on Freedom of Education in the European Community
Source: OJ C 104, 16.4.1984, p. 69

• Resolution on a European Voluntary Service Scheme for Young People
Source: OJ C 10, 16.1.1984, p. 286

• Council Resolution of the 23rd of January, 1984 on the promotion of employment for young people
The document establishes the creation of measures designed to stimulate the creation of jobs, especially for young people and women. 11
Source: OJ C 29, 4.2.1984, p. 1-3

1985
• European Parliament Resolution on international youth, 1985
Source: Official Journal C 229, 9.9.1985

• Resolution on youth unemployment
The European Union accepted a resolution regarding the issues of youth unemployment
Source: OJ C 122, 20.5.1985, p. 56:

• Resolution of the Council and of the Ministers for Education, meeting with the Council on the 5th of December, 1985 extending for one year certain measures taken to improve the preparation of young people for work and to facilitate their transition from education to working life: The goal was to help young people who finished their education to enter the labor market. 12

• Resolution of the Ministers responsible for Cultural Affairs, meeting within the Council, on the 20th of December, 1985 to discuss special conditions for the admission for young people to museums and cultural events 13

• Resolution of the Council and of the Ministers for Education, meeting within the Council, on the 3rd of June, 1985 containing an action program for equal opportunities for girls and boys in education
This document proposes a 10-points program to ensure equal opportunities for girls and boys for access to all forms of education and all types of training. The starting point to achieve these aims is promoting awareness among all participants in the educational system regarding the need to achieve equal opportunities for girls and boys. 14
Source: OJ C 166, 5.7.1985, p. 1-4

1986
• Resolution of the Council and the Ministers for Education, meeting within the Council, on the 9th of June, 1986, on consumer education in primary and secondary schools 15

1987
• Resolution on the failure so far to adopt the Erasmus Program
Source: OJ C 7, 12.1.1987, p. 46

1988
• Resolution of the Council and the Ministers of Education meeting within the Council to discuss the European dimension in education on the 24th of May, 1988 16
• Resolution of the Council and the Ministers of Education meeting within the Council to discuss Environmental education on the 24th of May, 1988 17

• Resolution of the Council and of the Ministers of Education meeting within the Council on the 23rd of November, 1988 concerning health education in schools 18

1989
• Resolution on the need for a European young people's pass
Source: OJ C 69, 20.3.1989, p. 213

• Legislative Resolution embodying the opinion of the European Parliament on the revised proposal from the Commission to the Council for a decision amending Decision 87/327/EEC of the 15th of June, 1987 adopting the European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students (Erasmus)
Source: OJ C 323, 27.12.1989, p. 177

• Resolution of the Council and the ministers of Education meeting within the Council on the 14th of December, 1989 to discuss measures to combat failure at school 19
1990
• Resolution of the Council and the Ministers for Education meeting within the Council on the 31st of May, 1990 concerning the integration of children and young people with disabilities into ordinary systems of education 20
Source: OJ C 162, 3.7.1990, p. 2-3

1991
• Legislative Resolution embodying the opinion of the European Parliament on the Commission proposal for a Council decision adopting an action program to promote youth exchanges and mobility in the Community: the "Youth for Europe' program"
Source: OJ C 158, 17.6.1991, p. 328

• Resolution of the Council and of the Ministers meeting within the Council on the 26th of June, 1991 on priority actions in the youth field: In this legal document, the Council of the EU agrees to develop four priority actions in the youth field: Intensification of cooperation between youth leaders, youth organizations and universities; a provision of information for young people in relation to EU Youth projects and programs; to stimulate the creativity of young people. Cooperation on the training of youth workers in relation with the EU dimension and its institutions. 21
Source: OJ C 208, 9.8.1991, p. 1-2

• Resolution on Community policies and their impact on youth
Source: OJ C 183, 15.7.1991, p. 469

1995
• Council Resolution on the 31st of March, 1995 on cooperation in the field of youth information and studies concerning youth 22
Source: OJ C 207, 12.8.1995, p. 5-7

• Council Resolution of the 5th of October, 1995 regarding cooperation with developing countries in the youth field: In this legal document the Council establishes five main cooperation areas with countries which have signed an association or cooperation agreement with the EU. The main five cooperation areas are: cooperation between governmental and non-governmental youth structures, training of youth leaders, information for young people, youth exchanges, and voluntary service in the field of youth projects. 23
Source: OJ C 296, 10.11.1995, p. 11-12

1998
• Legislative resolution embodying the Parliament's opinion on the proposal for a Council Decision concerning the Community position within the Association Council on the participation of the Slovak Republic in Community programs in the fields of training, youth, and education (COM(97)0422 C4-0629/97 97/0225(CNS))
This legislative resolution sets the terms and conditions for the participation of the Slovak Republic in the Leonardo da Vinci, Youth for Europe, and Socrates programs, amongst other EU-education-related projects; while also laying a foundation to ensure that the Community dimension of the programs, transnational projects, and activities proposed by the Slovak Republic will be required to include a minimum number of partners from the Member States of the Community. 24

1999
Resolution of the Council and of the Ministers for Youth meeting within the Council on the 17th of December, 1999 regarding the non-formal education dimension of sporting activities in the European Community youth programs 25
Source: Official Journal C 008 , 12/01/2000 P. 0005 - 0005

• Resolution of the Council and the Ministers of Youth meeting within the Council on the 8th of February, 1999 on youth participation 26
Source: OJ C 42, 17.2.1999, p. 1-2

• Resolution on a youth policy for Europe
Source: OJ C 175, 21.6.1999, p. 48

2000
• Resolution of the Council and of the representatives of the governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on the 14th of December, 2000 regarding the social inclusion of young people
In this Resolution the Council highlights the importance of developing information programs to foster mobility in the European youth community. The Council also encouraged youth workers present in the distinct EU Member States to provide young people with more information on Community programs and about the Member States' practices in the field of youth projects. 27
Source: Official Journal C 374 of 28.12.2000

2001
• Resolution of the Council and of the representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on the 28th of June, 2001 on promoting youth initiatives, enterprises and creativity: from exclusion to empowerment
To integrate youth initiatives, enterprise and creativity to combating social exclusion; to encourage youth initiatives and creativity in combating racism, xenophobia and intolerance; to promote the dissemination of good practices; to encourage youth initiatives, enterprise and creativity as a driving force for employment policy; to take stock of the experience gained from the Socrates and Leonardo programs in order to make the most of youth initiatives and creativity; to promote research and sharing of experience; to develop youth initiatives, enterprise and creativity through non-formal learning; to promote cooperation between the Member States, the Commission and international organizations; to clarify how youth initiatives, enterprise and creativity can be used as a resource; to educate young people as critical consumers and practitioners in sectors such as music, film and other creative industries. 28
Source: Official Journal C 196 of 12 July 2001

2002
• Resolution of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on 14 February 2002 on the added value of voluntary activity for young people in the context of the development of Community action on youth 29 Source: Official Journal C 050 , 23/02/2002 P. 0003 - 0005

• Council Resolution of the 1st of March, 2002 on the protection of consumers, in particular young people, through the labelling of certain video games and computer games according to age group 30
Source: Official Journal C 065, 14/03/2002 P. 0002 - 0002

• Resolution of the Council and of the representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council on the 27th of June, 2002 regarding the framework of European cooperation in the youth field: Adopting the White Paper
In a new impetus for European youth, the Commission suggested a new framework of European cooperation in the youth field comprising two strands: firstly, the application of the open method of coordination and secondly, taking greater account of the ?youth? dimension in other policies. This resolution follows the White Paper which set the priorities and the timetable for the European Union's (EU) work up until 2004 in the field of youth activity. 31
Source: Official Journal C168 of 13.7.2002

2003
• Council Resolution of the 25th of November, 2003 on common objectives for participation by, and information for young people
In this Resolution, the Council approves the common objectives with the idea of encouraging active citizenship among young people, promoting their access to information and their involvement in the implementation of strategies in this field. The new framework for cooperation in the field of youth has identified participation by and information for young people as priority issues. This Resolution sets out a non-exhaustive list of possible areas for action to achieve the common objectives in both fields. It focuses on the inclusion of disadvantaged young people in order to avoid all forms of discrimination or exclusion (cultural or ethnic background, disabilities, socio-economic factors, gender, etc.). 32
Source: Official Journal C 295 of 05.12.2003

• Council Resolution of the 25th of November, 2003 on making school an open learning environment to prevent and combat drop-outs and disaffection among young people, and to encourage their social inclusion 33
Source: Official Journal C 295 , 05/12/2003 P. 0003 - 0004

2004

• European Parliament legislative resolution on the Council's common position for adopting the European Parliament and Council's decision to establish a Community action program to promote bodies active at the European level in the field of youth (15327/1/2003 ? C5-0021/2004 ? 2003/0113(COD))
Source: Official Journal C 102E , 28.4.2004, p. 572-580

• European Parliament resolution on Special Report No 2/2002 of the Court of Auditors regarding the Socrates and Youth for Europe Community action programs (C5-0257/2002 - 2002/2125(COS))
Source: Official Journal C 31E , 5.2.2004, p. 102-106

• The Resolution of the Council and of the Representatives of the governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on the 28th of May, 2004 addressed social integration with regard to young people

2005

• Resolution of the Council and the representatives of the governments of the Member States on the 24th of May, 2005 met within the Council to evaluate activities conducted in the framework of European cooperation in the youth field 34
Source: Official Journal C 141 , 10/06/2005 P. 0001 - 0002

• Resolution of the Council and of the representatives of the governments of the Member States on the 24th of May, 2005, met within the Council regarding the implementation of a common objective: to increase participation by young people in the system of representative democracy 35
Source: Official Journal C 141, 10.6.2005, p. 3-4

•Resolution of the Council and of the representatives of the governments of the Member States on the 24th of May, 2005 met within the Council regarding the implementation of common objectives for youth information 36
Source: Official Journal C 141, 10.6.2005, p. 5-6

• Resolution of the Council and of the representatives of the governments of the Member States, met within the Council to address the concerns of young people in Europe — implementing the European Pact for Youth and promoting active citizenship 37
Source: Official Journal C 292, 24.11.2005, p. 5-6

2006
• Resolution of the Council and of the representatives of the governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, regarding the recognition of the value of non-formal and informal learning within the European youth field
The Conclusions of the Lisbon European Council on the 23rd and 24th of March, 2000 define new strategic objectives to strengthen employment, economic reform and social cohesion as an integral part of a knowledge-based economy. Member States were invited by the European Council to adopt the necessary measures in their constitutional provisions. The Council and the Commission, each within the limits of its own competences, were invited to develop inter alia a common European blueprint for curricula vitae to be used on a voluntary basis, which would make it easier for educational and training institutions, as well as employers, to assess skills acquired and encourage mobility. 38
Source: Official Journal C 168, 20.7.2006

• Resolution of the Council and the representatives of the governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, regarding the implementation of common objectives for participation by, and information for young people in view of promoting their active European citizenship 39Source: OJ C 297, 7.12.2006, p. 6-10

2007

• Resolution of the Council and the representatives of the governments of the Member States, met within the Council on the 16th of May, 2007 regarding the implementation of common objectives for voluntary activities of young people 40
Source: OJ C 241, 20.9.2008, p. 1-6
• European Parliament resolution on educational discrimination against young women and girls (2006/2135(INI)) 41
Source: OJ C 250E , 25.10.2007, p. 102-106
• Resolution of the Council and of the representatives of the governments of the Member States, met within the Council, on the 25th of May, 2007 regarding the creation of equal opportunities for all young people and their full participation in society 42
Source: OJ C 314, 22.12.2007, p. 1-3 R

2008

• The conclusions of the Spring 2008 European Council on the 13th and 14th of March, 2008 emphasized the importance of combating poverty and social exclusion, promoting active integration, and increasing employment opportunities for those furthest from the labor market, in particular young people.

• Resolution of the Council and of the representatives of the governments of the Member States met within the Council on the 22nd of May, 2008 to discuss the participation of young people with fewer opportunities
Young people with fewer opportunities in society face specific difficulties because they come from less privileged educational, socio-economic, or geographical backgrounds, or have a disability. Their participation in the democratic, economic, and cultural life of society needs to be given special attention at both the national and Community level. Unemployment, poverty, poor health, cultural, social and economic exclusion, and all forms of discrimination, are obstacles to the well-being of young people and may hinder their active participation in society.
Source: Official Journal, C 141, 7.6.2008
• Corrigendum to the Resolution of the Council and the representatives of the governments of the Member States, met within the Council on the 16th of May, 2007 regarding the implementation of the common objectives for voluntary activities for young people 43
Source: OJ C 241, 20.9.2008
• Council recommendation of the 20th of November, 2008 on the mobility of young volunteers across the European Union 44
• The conclusions of the Council and of the representatives of the governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council on the 21st of November, 2008 to discuss youth mobility 45
• Resolution of the Council and the representatives of the governments of the Member States, met within the Council on the 20th of November, 2008 to discuss the health and well-being of young people
Even though the health of Europe's young people is considered to be generally satisfactory, concerns remain regarding nutrition, physical activity, alcohol abuse, as well as sexual and mental health. In this context, it is essential to promote a healthy lifestyle, to adopt preventive measures, and to take gender issues into consideration. Several aspects related to living conditions pose a risk to young people's health and well-being. To ensure the healthy development of young people, their physical and social environments should be wholesome. This aim is best achieved by giving further support to parents. The extent of social inclusion and the level of education of young people are closely related to their health and well-being. Hence, it is important that young people are kept well informed of the advantages of a healthy lifestyle and that they are encouraged to become more responsible and autonomous with regard to their own health. In order to ensure that youth health policy is efficient, the state of current systems should be assessed to provide better tailored strategies that take into consideration the needs of and differences among young people. The strategies should be based on a comprehensive and cross-sectoral approach. Youth health policy should involve the local, regional, national, and European levels, and be developed in close partnership with a wide range of stakeholders. 46Source: Official Journal C 319 of 13.12.2008

2009
• Conclusions of the Council and of the representatives of the governments of the Member States, met within the Council, to discuss future priorities for enhanced European cooperation in vocational education and training (VET) 47
• Council Resolution of the 27th of November, 2009  to renew the framework for European cooperation in the youth field (2010-2018)
For Europe to attain its objectives regarding growth and jobs, set by the Lisbon strategy, it is imperative that its young men and women are socially as well as professionally well integrated. Such integration also promotes young people's personal fulfillment, social cohesion, and active citizenship. However, young people still face challenges in terms of employment, education and training, poverty, health, political participation, and democratic representation. Therefore, a renewed framework for European cooperation in the youth field has been designed to provide better opportunities for Europe's young people.
Source: Official Journal C 311 of 19.12.2009

2010
Resolution of the Council and of the representatives of the governments of the Member States, met within the Council, regarding the active inclusion of young people: combating unemployment and poverty
Source: OJ C 137, 27.5.2010, pp. 1-6

• Resolution of the Council and of the representatives of the governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council regarding youth work
This renewed framework is based on the Commission's communication in April, 2009 regarding the new European Union (EU) Youth Strategy. It aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness to European cooperation by establishing a strategy for the next decade that builds on the progress made and lessons learned under the previous framework. 48
Source: OJ C 327, 4.12.2010, pp. 1-5

2011
• An EU Strategy for Youth European Parliament resolution from the 18th of May, 2010 regarding 'An EU Strategy for Youth - Investing and Empowering' (2009/2159(INI)) 49
Source: OJ C 161E , 31.5.2011, p. 21-31

• Resolution of the Council and of the representatives of the governments of the Member States, met within the Council, regarding the creation of a structured dialogue with young people on youth employment
Source: OJ C 164, 2.6.2011, pp. 1-4
• Resolution of the Council and of the representatives of the governments of the Member States, met within the Council, to discuss encouraging new and effective forms of participation for all young people in democratic life in Europe 50
The European Union wants to find new alternative ways to encourage the youth to participate in European democracy. The program called "Youth in Action" should be one of the primary long term actions which have been launched by the EU to make youth participate on the national and community level.
Source: OJ C 169, 9.6.2011, pp. 1-5

• Promoting youth access to the labor market, strengthening trainee, internship and apprenticeship status in European Parliament resolution of the 6th of July, 2010 regarding the promotion of youth access to the labor market, strengthening trainee, internship and apprenticeship status (2009/2221(INI)) 51
Source: OJ C 351E , 2.12.2011, p. 29-39

2012

• Resolution of the Council and of the representatives of the governments of the Member States, met within the Council, to create an overview of the structured dialogue with young people on youth participation in democratic life in Europe 52
This resolution addresses the European Union's wish to promote dialogue with the youth, especially from Eastern Europe. The EU also encourages Member States to start a dialogue with youth and youth organizations to find solutions.
Source: OJ C 380, 11.12.2012, p. 1-4

2013

• Resolution of the Regional Committee on 'A Youth Guarantee' 53
Source: OJ C 62, 2.3.2013, p. 11-13
• Youth opportunities initiative and European Parliament resolution of the 24th of May, 2012 regarding the Youth Opportunities Initiative (2012/2617(RSP))54
Source: OJ C 264E , 13.9.2013, p. 69-74
1 The ABC of European Union Law, by Professor Klaus-Dieter Borchardt, http://europa.eu/documentation/legislation/pdf/oa8107147_en.pdf, [Accessed: 19.03.2014]

Our Projects »

Our Programs »

Contact Us

Institute for Cultural Diplomacy USA Inc.
20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001, USA

Academy for Cultural Diplomacy Berlin
Soltauer Str. 18-22, D-13509 Berlin
Phone: +49 (0) 30 2360 7680
E-Mail: communication@culturaldiplomacy.org

© Institute for Cultural Diplomacy Inc. - All rights reserved | Privacy Policy