What is the European Year of Youth? In conversation with Biliana Sirakova

The ongoing pandemic has taken a heavy toll on young people, leading to interruptions in education, loss of jobs and career opportunities, social isolation, and mental health problems.

Following President Ursula von der Leyen’s announcement in her 2021 State of the Union Address, the Commission has adopted its formal proposal to make 2022 the European Year of Youth. The aim of the European Year of Youth is to listen, engage and promote concrete opportunities for young people. The interests and concerns of youth are wide-ranging and encapsulate many important issues such as the climate crisis and economic policy.

Bridging the generation gap is also essential, as today's young people are less interested in traditional forms of participation and more active in promoting what they believe in and engaging in new “alternative” ways.

Speaker:
Biliana Sirakova was appointed by the European Commission in 2021 to the newly created position of EU Youth Coordinator to strengthen cooperation between all services on youth issues and to integrate the youth perspective into all relevant EU policies. She has been a European Commission civil servant since 2010