On 6 May, CESI Youth and StartNet kicked-off the #EUSocialSummit21 in Porto by providing young people, youth organisations and stakeholders with an online civic space to raise their voice. The Porto Social Summit on 7-8 May is a decisive moment for Europe’s future social policies with the European Pillar of Social Rights and its new Action Plan. The aim of the event was to ensure that the rich discussion, ideas and recommendations of the event can feed into the Social Summit and future social policies at European and national level. Delivering social rights to all young people is essential for Europe’s inclusive recovery and sustainable future.

Those were key messages for that pathway:

• More targeted action at national level is needed to tackle rising youth unemployment. A particular focus needs to be put on vulnerable groups, supporting young people who have not been reached so far.
• Quality education, training and life-long learning are essential for young people‘s future and transition to work. All young people should have access to up-to-date learning opportunities and continuous guidance.

• Investment into green quality jobs is key. Precarious contract holders and platform workers need social protection.

• The Action Plan’s target to decrease the NEET rate (young people who are not in employment, education or training) from 12.6% (2019) to 9% is a step forward, but more ambitious long-term goals should be set, including the reduction of early school leavers.

• The planned review of the Quality Framework for Traineeships and reinforcing the Youth Guarantee are important steps, but more action needs to be taken at national level. Youth councils and civil society should play an active role in their implementation.

• The Action Plan recognises the need for improving occupational health and safety standards, especially regarding psychosocial risks, with a new framework to be released by the European Commission. Beyond this scope, young people have been particularly impacted by the pandemic and special attention should be attributed to their mental health.

• In response to increasing youth homelessness during the pandemic, young people should get access to decent and affordable housing.

Following the event, CESI Youth and StartNet are happy to share with you:

• The link to the video recording of the event itself;
• Two visuals of the event‘s key statements (see below);
• Young people’s video testimonials;
• Website posts of CESI Youth & StartNet;
• The feedback survey;
• The link to the Social Summit live streaming on 7 May in the afternoon;
• The European Youth Forum’s Youth Pledge for EU leaders committing to youth rights.

The recovery from the pandemic should not leave anyone behind on a path towards a climate neutral, sustainable and inclusive Europe.