What do young people think of the European Union today? Are they interested in it and do they think it will be something good for them in the future when they have finished their studies and are looking for a career?
Let’s look at all the possibilities that the European Union can offer a young person starting his or her professional life. First of all, you can travel freely and in theory work wherever you like in any of the member countries. And don’t forget, the European Union gets bigger all the time! Travelling to many of these countries is so easy. You get on a plane, get off and don’t even have to show your passport or identity card. It’s a good idea to take it with you anyway, you never know what might happen...! However, if you go to the United Kingdom or Ireland, you need your passport, because they are not part of the Schengen agreement.
Secondly, and again in theory, you can take up a job in any member country. But it’s best to check if your qualifications are recognised in that country before you pack your suitcase! It can be very complicated and you don’t want to go hundreds of kilometres only to find that your Diploma or Degree is not recognised for the job you want to do. At home, yes – there, no!
It’s also important to be able to speak a little of the country’s language too. Not everybody speaks English in the European Union!
Do some research on the country you are interested in. We are lucky in the 21st century to have the Internet, but be careful. Always cross-reference sites because there are many which contradict each other. It’s also a very good idea to find out what the cost of living is and how far your salary will go. A loaf of bread might cost 1€ in country A but 4€ in country B – that’s a big difference!
Nearly every young person today is on one or more of the social network sites. Find and talk to people your age in the country you are interested in working in. They will tell you the truth, we hope!
Young people have been very hard hit in the labour market during the economic crisis. The 2013 Annual Growth Survey (AGS) says that big efforts must be made to reduce youth unemployment and to promote young people’s participation in the labour market. Some countries do better than others. For example, about 8% of 15-24 year olds are unemployed in Germany, while that percentage rises to 55% in Greece. In between are all the other member states.
In May 2014 the Council of the European Union published a report which aims at bringing young people together throughout the Union by means of educational, sport and cultural activities. Every year there is a European Capital of Culture and many young people are involved in promoting all kinds of activities and can benefit from exchange programmes. The cultural heritage of Europe is immense and there are so many opportunities today for getting to know your neighbours. Take advantage of them and... carpe diem!