ERYICA reaction to the State of the Union speech 2022

2022

ERYICA reaction

to the State of the Union speech 2022

Undoubtedly, today’s historical reality brings diverse challenges for Europe. The perennial economic crisis, the pandemic and the war in Ukraine leave no further room for complacency for the European leadership and call for drastic decisions with a future perspective. 

In the context of a general shortage of qualified staff and rising youth unemployment, youth information and counselling services are optimistic about the decision to make 2023 the European Year of Skills. What is essential, is a careful and organised implementation of the initiative in order to ensure equal distribution of resources and opportunities. Furthermore, it is vital for Europe’s financial future that every training, specialisation and mobility programme initiative is equivalent and substantial with long term effects. A mental health initiative is also very positively received, as the pandemic has negatively impacted the mental well-being of many Europeans, especially young people. 

The invasion of Ukraine and the rise of political extremism bring to the fore the need to defend democratic values. For this reason, creating the Defense of Democracy package is a remarkably farsighted move because, in difficult times, there is always a shift to extreme ideologies and populism. As youth information providers, we are aware that access to reliable information and critical thinking are powerful allies of democracy and human rights. 

The European Union will continue to actively support Ukraine, investing in its economic reconstruction and the future of its young people by providing 100 million for rebuilding schools and other youth facilities.

You can read the full speech delivered by the President of the European Commission here.