Box 7: Perspectives of the Italian Youth Council The Forum Nazionale Giovani (FNG) has always prioritized the youth guarantee. They specify that it is not a magic solution to youth unemployment and that it must be implemented alongside policies aimed at economic growth and job crea-
State of Play: The Youth Guarantee in Europe
tion. Only then will the youth guarantee be successful. FNG remains optimistic that the youth guarantee could be used as an opportunity to introduce a new range of policies promoting youth access to the labour market. They assert that the youth guarantee can address a long-standing Italian legacy of reactive policies, which are much too often characterised by a passive approach towards the responsibilities of companies and the private sector. In terms of implementation, FNG expresses some critical issues that could affect the success of the youth guarantee. They highlight the poor functioning of the employment centres and the ill-equipped nature of Italian regions. Lastly, they highlight the need to include young people up to the age of 30. FNG has welcomed the general open approach, which the government has taken in designing the scheme. In particular, FNG has welcomed the involvement of youth organisations in the planning of the operational programme, in lobby and advocacy activities and in monitoring the progress at both national and local levels. FNG will be part of a formal consultative body on both the policies and the initiatives of the national implementation plan.
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