Youth Guarantee: Real Opportunities and Reliable Support for Children and Young People
15 September 2026
The European Parliament voted today on the report on the Reinforced Youth Guarantee. As the EPP shadow rapporteur, I contributed to this report, focusing on sustainable and structurally reliable funding for the European Child Guarantee.
Young people deserve a real opportunity to build their future. No one should be left behind when entering the labour market. The Reinforced Youth Guarantee has already reached millions of young people across Europe. At the same time, we must ensure that support reaches those who need it most, that incentives for the employment of young people are strengthened, and that the use of European funds remains transparent and accountable.
Clear Structures Instead of Mere Billion Euro Promises
An important point in today's vote was the funding of the European Child Guarantee.
The Social Democrats called for at least €20 billion for this purpose in the next EU budget. This proposal was adopted by 336 votes to 266.
Together with the EPP, I advocated a different approach: instead of setting a single rigid amount, we need to structurally safeguard the Child Guarantee. Our proposal therefore called for a substantial earmarked budget, a dedicated European Social Fund, and at least five percent of national ESF funding to combat child poverty and implement the Child Guarantee.
I voted against the rigid €20 billion requirement and in favour of our EPP proposal. Not because we want less for children, but because a figure alone does not guarantee reliable implementation. What matters is that funding reaches those who need it and that effective structures are created for the long term.
As both proposals address different aspects, both approaches are now reflected in the adopted report.
The Youth Guarantee Must Truly Reach Young People
For me, it is clear: Every euro of European funding must create concrete European added value. It is particularly important that young people who face persistent barriers to entering the labour market are reached.
To achieve this, we need more targeted support, better incentives for companies to hire young people, and greater transparency in the use of funds.
At the same time, youth policy must not be viewed in isolation. The Youth Guarantee, Child Guarantee and family policy need to be considered more closely together. Investments in early childhood education and support for young parents are important prerequisites for ensuring that children and young people have fair opportunities and can pursue their own path.
Broad Majority for the Overall Report
The overall report on the Reinforced Youth Guarantee was ultimately adopted by 530 votes to 77.
Today's vote is therefore an important step towards making the Youth Guarantee more effective and transparent, and more closely aligned with the actual needs of young people across Europe.
My goal remains clear: European policy must create concrete opportunities — and ensure that support reaches those who need it
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