The European Commission has allotted Romania some EUR 100 million to fight youth unemployment. This initiative is part of the EC's Youth Unemployment program worth some EUR 3 billion, which are handed out to countries where youth unemployment is above 25 percent.

Romania and 16 other countries already submitted their implementation plans under this project, while 11 other countries are still preparing their strategies. (the state of play in the table below)

"Leaving young people without help damages their lifetime prospects as well as Europe's economic potential and social cohesion. It is in each Member State's interest to act swiftly and put in place practical measures to help young people get a job or acquire the skills to get a job in the future,” said László Andor, European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion.

The EU is working to reduce youth unemployment and to increase the youth-employment rate in line with the wider EU target of achieving a 75 percent employment rate for the working-age population.

Youth unemployment rate is more than twice as high as the adult one – 23.3 percent against 9.3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2012, according to EU data.

editor@romania-insider.com

Youth Guarantee Implementation Plans– state of play