Eligibility criteria for the Youth Employment Initiative
30.9.2013
Question for written answer P-011134-13
to the Commission
Rule 117
Sandra Petrović Jakovina (S&D)
The European Social Fund (ESF) Regulation is on the point of being agreed, but there are some key issues still to be resolved, for example the eligibility criteria for the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI). The EP, or more exactly the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, has again raised the question of minimum shares under the ESF, in spite of the agreement in principle between the Council and the EP before the summer break. As regards the YEI, the situation is rather different: permission could easily be obtained to alter the cut-off age for YEI assistance, but no such latitude will be possible regarding eligibility in terms of regions. The plan for Croatia thus far has been that financing for the 25-30 age group is to come from national resources and available ESF funding; clarification on that point would, in any event, make it easier for Croatia to draw up its Youth Guarantee implementation plan.
When considering this matter it is necessary to take into account the protracted financial crisis, since 2008, and the fact that young people aged 25 at the start of the current five-year period — and therefore eligible — are, as a result of the crisis, being hard hit by the shortage of new jobs at this particular time. These considerations form the basis of Croatia’s present policy whereby the target group includes young people up to 30, who, especially now, need to be encompassed within the programme, as otherwise they really will turn out to be a ‘lost generation’.
Can the Commission say:
- 1.When will information be available about the YEI funding allocation to be earmarked forCroatia, both of its regions being eligible for Youth Guarantee Financing under the YEI?
- 2.Given that Croatia is anxious that YEI financing should cover young people up to 30, as ithas been implementing the Youth Guarantee since 1 July 2013 and wishes to use thisfunding allocation for that age group, is it reasonable to expect that the YEI will alter theage limit for persons eligible for assistance?
OJ C 208, 03/07/2014