Citizens' Dialogue online with Commissioner Nicolas Schmit You can watch it here Thursday 28 May 2020, 15:30 - 17:00 (CEST)Online only Media schmit_eye_chat.jpgschmit_eye_chat.jpgClose SpeakersNicolas SchmitCommissioner Practical information WhenThursday 28 May 2020, 15:30 - 17:00 (CEST)WhereOnline only Report We need to make sure we are not allowing a negative backlash on employment and young people. I want every young person to have the right digital skills for the job they are looking for, and to be able to get that job.Commissioner Nicolas SchmitLive chat with young people and Commissioner Nicolas Schmit during the European Youth EventCommissioner Schmit held an online dialogue on 28 May to discuss measures taken by the EU to encounter the impact of the coronavirus on youth unemployment.The discussion was kicked off by talking about the dramatic changes to young peoples’ lives since the novel coronavirus crisis. The International Labour Organisation stated that 1/6 young people have stopped working since beginning of pandemic. The moderator set the scene by asking the Commissioner if this is the biggest test to the EU itself and how the EU has reacted so far.The Commissioner discussed how the virus had highlighted fragility of humankind and of our environment, hence the need for a recovery that prioritises the protection of people, jobs, and the environment. He informed participants about the Youth Employment Support Programme, SURE, the youth guarantee and work-balance directive achieved in the Juncker commission.He emphasised that the Commission is reacting faster than ever before to this crisis and that young people will not be left behind as the worst affected by the economic impact of the novel coronavirus.Many questions were raised by online participants concerning the impact of Coronavirus on youth homelessness and austerity linked to the previous crisis. People wanted to know that they would not have to foot the bill for this, having not even entered the job market yet.Participants raised concerns about the continuation of trainings and apprenticeships, to which the commissioner replied that these schemes must continue as in 5 years Europe will need trained people in the job market to fill important newly developed roles. Support for SMEs to hire young people was also much discussed throughout the dialogue.Young people commented and came back to the Commisisoner on his responses to their questions, making for a thought-provoking direct dialogue and exchange of ideas.
We need to make sure we are not allowing a negative backlash on employment and young people. I want every young person to have the right digital skills for the job they are looking for, and to be able to get that job.Commissioner Nicolas SchmitLive chat with young people and Commissioner Nicolas Schmit during the European Youth EventCommissioner Schmit held an online dialogue on 28 May to discuss measures taken by the EU to encounter the impact of the coronavirus on youth unemployment.The discussion was kicked off by talking about the dramatic changes to young peoples’ lives since the novel coronavirus crisis. The International Labour Organisation stated that 1/6 young people have stopped working since beginning of pandemic. The moderator set the scene by asking the Commissioner if this is the biggest test to the EU itself and how the EU has reacted so far.The Commissioner discussed how the virus had highlighted fragility of humankind and of our environment, hence the need for a recovery that prioritises the protection of people, jobs, and the environment. He informed participants about the Youth Employment Support Programme, SURE, the youth guarantee and work-balance directive achieved in the Juncker commission.He emphasised that the Commission is reacting faster than ever before to this crisis and that young people will not be left behind as the worst affected by the economic impact of the novel coronavirus.Many questions were raised by online participants concerning the impact of Coronavirus on youth homelessness and austerity linked to the previous crisis. People wanted to know that they would not have to foot the bill for this, having not even entered the job market yet.Participants raised concerns about the continuation of trainings and apprenticeships, to which the commissioner replied that these schemes must continue as in 5 years Europe will need trained people in the job market to fill important newly developed roles. Support for SMEs to hire young people was also much discussed throughout the dialogue.Young people commented and came back to the Commisisoner on his responses to their questions, making for a thought-provoking direct dialogue and exchange of ideas.