The education and youth programmes of the European Union are among the most successful instruments to promote European integration through mutual understanding and networking. They provide a more comprehensive educational background for the skilled workers and increase mobility so badly needed in the European Union,” said EMI President Jo Leinen after the EMI’s Members’ Council in Nicosia/Cyprus passed a resolution, which had been submitted by the Young European Federalists (JEF-Europe) and the European Students’ Forum (AEGEE).

“The funding for education and youth programmes amounts only to 1,85% of the EU’s overall budget, but has a tremendous impact on the young European citizens. Therefore even minimal cuts would entirely neglect the added value of these European programmes,” stressed Pauline Gessant, President of JEF Europe and EMI Board Member.

The Members’ Council of the European Movement International calls on the Member States to hold up their commitment to the objectives of the EU2020 Strategy, which can only be achieved through an increased investment in education, training, youth and sport programmes under the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2014-2020).

To download the resolution and for more information, click here

[ENDS]

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Editor’s Note: The European Movement International (EMI) is one of the largest pan and pro-European civil society organisation with currently more than 75 Member Organisations, bringing together representatives from European associations, political parties, enterprises and trade unions.

For more information, please contact the secretariat: +32 (0)2 508 30 88, email: secretariat@europeanmovement.eu