Doc. 8019
12 February 1998

Remotivation of unemployed young people

Motion for a resolution

presented by the Earl of Dundee and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

1.       In Recommendation 1355 (1998) on fighting social exclusion and strengthening social cohesion in Europe, the Parliamentary Assembly underlines that "today, social exclusion is no longer a marginal problem in Europe: it is a painful and dramatic reality for millions of people".

2.       In the same Recommendation, the Assembly recalls its earlier Recommendation 1304 (1996) on the future of social policy. This draws attention to employment as a factor for integration. Thus it calls upon governments of member states to improve policies for the reintegration of marginalised or excluded persons. It advocates occupational training, literacy campaigns and the acquisition of skills in order to restore their sense of social usefulness.

3.       The Assembly recognises that an important aspect of the unemployment of young people is their loss of trust and motivation. This makes them respond less to, and therefore benefit less from, work schemes established by governments.

4.       In some member states private institutions have already identified this problem and have started to develop the potential skills and attitudes of young people with the aim of enabling them to gain a job and a positive role in society.

5.       In the context of an effective social strategy the Parliamentary Assembly values this concept for social partnership between, on the one hand, a government scheme which provides new opportunities for employment and, on the other hand, voluntary and private initiatives which improve motivation in young people.

6.       If such partnership proves to be successful in one or more states, the Assembly should, through the Council of Europe, recommend its introduction in all other member states.

Signed (see overleaf)

Signed : 1

Dundee, United Kingdom, EDG

Heygi, Hungary, SOC

Barath, Hungary, SOC

Grenfell, United Kingdom, SOC

Kirkhill, United Kingdom, SOC

Etherington, United Kingdom, SOC

Ponsonby, United Kingdom, SOC

Jones, United Kingdom, SOC

Zingeris, Lithuania, EDG

Pulgar, Spain, EPP

Hancock, United Kingdom, LDR

Lucyga, Germany, SOC

Biga-Friganovic, Croatia, SOC

Stefani, Albania, NR

Sincai, Romania, SOC

Pocas Santos, Portugal, EPP

Ragnarsdóttir, Iceland, EDG


1        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      EDG: European Democratic Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group

      UEL : Group of the Unified European Left

      NR : Not registered in a group