Policy Dialogue with Vice-President Margaritis Schinas: "Our European way of life - the model of society we stand for"

Join Vice-President Margaritis Schinas in a live policy dialogue with young people from across Europe on the topic of ‘Our European Way of Life: the model of society we stand for'.

In light of the European Year of Youth, the European Commission aspires to include a youth perspective into its own policies through the youth policy dialogues. Meaningful participation is, therefore, an important objective of the European Year of Youth. Each policy dialogue was a genuine, open conversation with a Commissioner. 

Vice-President Schinas had a conversation with 14 European young people. The young participants were be able to raise questions, share ideas and provide the Vice-President with policy-suggestions. Throughout the dialogue, young people got a chance to express their opinions about the model of society we stand for.

Did you miss the live discussion? Don't worry, you can watch the recorded version by accessing the European Commission live stream page.

Take aways from the Dialogue

1. Introduction of the Youth Test. The Youth Test is defined as a new tool to develop impact assessment on the impact of specific policies on the youth. In case of negative/unsatisfactory impact identified, mitigation measures should be proposed (initiative of the European Youth Forum mentioned in all policy dialogues). 
2. Availability of job opportunities with attractive conditions. It was mentioned that wages are often too low for young professionals and not enough to enable decent living conditions. In addition to salaries, other working conditions matter: access to social protection and safety nets, type of contracts (permanent/temporary), career prospects, and an inclusive work environment.