First Transnational Peer Review Group Meeting: Shaping a Better Future for Youth

On 20th November 2024, young people and social and youth workers from across Europe convened for the inaugural Transnational Peer Review Group meeting under the theme “Your Voice, Your Impact: Shaping a Better Future for Youth.” The session aimed to foster meaningful discussions around youth programmes and strategies for engaging NEETs (young people not in education, employment, or training).

A Collaborative Start

The day began with a warm welcome from the organisers, who introduced the agenda and objectives. To set a collaborative tone, participants took part in an icebreaker activity, which encouraged open dialogue and connection.

The core of the meeting focused on exchanging experiences. Representatives from different countries shared their national approaches to addressing the challenges faced by NEETs. Discussions underscored the importance of tailoring initiatives to local contexts, particularly in rural or marginalised areas, and emphasised the role of digital platforms in expanding opportunities.

Key Themes Across Borders

Recurring themes emerged throughout the discussions. Participants, particularly from Serbia and Slovakia, highlighted the critical need to build trust with NEETs, many of whom distrust institutional support. Establishing this trust was identified as a vital first step. Addressing NEETs’ basic needs, such as housing and food, was considered essential before shifting the focus to education and employment opportunities. Mental health challenges and low self-esteem were recognised as significant barriers, with mentorship and counselling initiatives proposed as ways to provide psychological support.

Customised programmes, including financial incentives, language assistance, and tailored job opportunities, were seen as essential for effective engagement. Participants also stressed the importance of stigma-free interventions, avoiding explicit labelling of NEETs to promote inclusivity. Early intervention strategies were another focus, with Austrian stakeholders emphasising the value of preventative measures beginning in primary schools.

Strategic Discussions

The meeting also explored the draft Back On Track Strategy for the Danube Region, focusing on three strategic goals. The first goal, increasing economic opportunities for NEETs, highlighted vocational training, internships, and self-employment initiatives. Participants shared examples of successful start-up incentives in Bulgaria and Bosnia and Herzegovina while emphasising the need to empower rural NEETs through promotional workshops and events.

The second goal, improving quality of life and social security, emphasised a holistic approach that integrates family involvement, healthcare improvements, and tailored housing support. Social inclusion and health education were seen as pivotal to creating meaningful and sustainable outcomes.

Finally, discussions on enhancing access to education and public services stressed the importance of addressing the digital divide in rural areas. Participants called for greater investment in affordable digital infrastructure and training programmes to boost NEETs’ employability in an increasingly digital economy.

Next Steps

The meeting concluded with a review of key takeaways and a roadmap for future actions. This first transnational gathering provided a valuable platform for sharing insights and collaborating on effective solutions for supporting NEETs. With an emphasis on inclusive and adaptable strategies, the collective efforts from this event promise to drive impactful changes, ensuring that young people across Europe have better opportunities to shape their futures.