One in four young people in Cyprus wishes to migrate

27.6.2017

Question for written answer E-004245-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Demetris Papadakis (S&D)

According to a survey by the Statistical Service of Cyprus (KIS), more than 26% of young people aged 18-26 in Cyprus report that they are willing to migrate to another country with a view to finding better professional opportunities. These are extremely discouraging and disappointing findings, as young people in this age group are a very important part of the country's productive potential, with potential negative consequences for both birth rates and insurance funds.

Another important finding is that 68% of young people of this age group hold an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, a particularly high figure given the size of the country's population.

Clearly the above percentages of young people intending to migrate can be described as ‘very high’. Measures must therefore be taken to help stimulate professional opportunities for young people so that Cyprus and the other European countries affected by the economic crisis do not lose a significant part of their productive population with possible disastrous economic and social consequences.

In view of the above, can the Commission say:

What initiatives does it intend to take to limit the phenomenon of youth migration to other countries, particularly from those countries most affected by the economic crisis?