Youth unemployment is one of the biggest problems facing Europe. It has increased
substantially in most countries since the 2008–2009 financial crisis, but has been rising
relative to the unemployment rate of older adults for far longer. This report presents
new statistical analysis of the problem, and uses the results to assess the different roles
that education and training, business behaviour and labour market institutions play in
young people’s transition from compulsory schooling to a job suitable to their level of
skills and qualifications. It concludes that policymakers need to focus on this transition
in its entirety, rather than on narrow labour-market measures, if they are to reduce youth
unemployment and improve the prospects of young people across Europe.