Prime Minister vows to make 'the best out of the European Youth Guarantee'

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat emphasised the importance of the European Youth Guarantee when addressing the Party of European Socialists (PES) Council in Sofia.

"We will stand side by side to make the best out of the European Youth Guarantee, which we have supported since its beginning, while looking forward to staying one step ahead on innovative policymaking," he said.

He said Malta is not supporting the programme for its selfish interest because the average rate of youth unemployment in Malta is lower than the European average, "but we are doing it cause we believe in this initiative."

Muscat pointed out that European conservatives are trying to take credit for the Youth Guarantee, which was first put forward by European Socialists, and which the conservatives initially resisted.

"We should not fall for the trap of arguing on who came first.  People are not interested in such hollow debates.  People want solutions.  That is why Socialists and Social-Democrats should always be one step ahead," Muscat said.

The Prime Minister added that not enough emphasis is being put on promoting the option of self-employment as a positive prospect for young people.

Unemployment, especially amongst youths, is a symptom not a cause, he said. 

"We have to work on policies that address the cause."

"These policies must be aimed at fostering economic growth and we have to look also outside Europe to help foster this growth," Muscat said.