Social Situation Monitor (SSM) Research Seminars aims to provide a forum to discuss the theoretical, methodological and policy implications of the latest economic and social research. More specifically, SSM Research Seminars aim to inform:
- the economic and social analysis of the European Commission in general, and the Commission’s Employment and Social Developments (ESDE) in Europe review in particular;
- the economic and social analysis of the European Commission’s stakeholders;
- the economic and social policies of the European Commission and its stakeholders.
This Research Seminar will present and discuss the latest research on the issue of opportunities and structural challenges young people are facing in the recovery and from a longer-term perspective.
Today’s young people are at a crucial juncture: They were among the groups most strongly affected by job loss during the pandemic, notably due to their higher share of fixed-term contracts as well as their concentration in sectors or occupations that were strongly affected by the pandemic. Young people transitioning from education to the labour market also arguably faced difficulties in finding their first job.
Recent trends raise concern regarding young Europeans’ prospects to become economically independent, accumulate housing wealth or start a family.
At the same time, population ageing also may present opportunities for young workers, as new job opportunities may come up as others retire. Many in the youngest cohorts are highly educated, digitally skilled and have an awareness of ecological issues, which could help them seize opportunities of the recovery and digital and green transitions. However, not all youths are equally likely to benefit from such opportunities due to various reasons – for example, gender segregation of national education systems and labour markets results in notable differences in opportunities for young women and men.
The seminar could inform discussions on the need for policies that enhance integration into the labour market and analyse the role of labour mobility as a building block for successful and resilient career paths for young people.
