"The real challenge we are facing right now – which we must address swiftly, with innovative ideas, ahead of the European Year of Youth – is combating social inequalities as far as possible, and above all youth unemployment, a true scourge of our times". 

This was the message conveyed by ECR member Guido Castelli, Regional Minister of the Marche Region in Italy, during the CoR December plenary debate on the European Year of Youth.

In his speech, Mr Castelli stressed that the European Union and the relevant institutions must do everything in their power to ensure that social mobility and opportunities for development, especially among the young generations, are fostered through a system of training, education and academic study that is fit for this great challenge.

The ECR member stated: "it is our duty as administrators to strive to open up major employment opportunities to those starting out in their careers, using all the key tools at our disposal to broaden young people's personal skills, and level of education and training".

The regional minister firmly believes that a fair society is one that allows young people and its weakest members to develop themselves and at the same time to assume their responsibilities.

This is the direction that his region, Marche, has been working towards for some time. Mr Castelli explained that they have been putting their efforts and determination into this sensitive area, providing young people with all the training tools they need to "prepare themselves for the labour market and become responsible people, so that they can grow and remain competitive".