Experts on Youth Policy Indicators - 3rd and Concluding Meeting

The central aim of the youth policy of the Council of Europe is the development and implementation of a purposive and positive youth policy which is coherent and inclusive. Such a policy can refer to a broad understanding of member states who have agreed, at the occasion of the 6th Conference of European Ministers responsible for youth of 7-9 November in Thessalonica, Greece, that despite considerable differences with regard to the socio-economic situation of young people in the world they need access to fundamental rights, to education, the labour market, health care, culture, technological innovations and the possibility to enjoy decent living conditions as a prerequisite for their active participation in society. (cf. Final Declaration). To contribute to the process of developing European standards for youth policy development the Council of Europe invited a group of experts from various backgrounds, all with a research profile to meet and make policy recommendations to be addressed to the CDEJ and Advisory Council. The report and the recommendations were submitted to the Directorate 'Youth, Civil Society, Communication' of the European Commission with the intention to contribute to the new co-operation in the youth field of the European Union as this has taken off following the publication of the White Paper on Youth.