- Alexandros Tsolakis, Head Of Unit C2, DG22, Education, Training And Youth, The European Commission

Historically, there has been co-operation between Member States on youth policy, and while the European Union (EU) cannot impose harmonization of youth policy, instead it brings added value. For years, youth mobility was part of individual Member States' foreign affairs responsibilities, but in 1988 a modest programme of youth exchange, `YFE', was launched. Still at this stage, three quarters of the Member States had no youth policy.

In 1995 a small new voluntary service strand was introduced, involving voluntary service in another country. The new Commissioner, Edith Cresson, went to see Zivildienst in Germany, but was warned that it had been tried before and had been opposed by foreign affairs ministries. Hosts were sought for the new venture by identifying existing projects willing to host volunteers from other EU nations, and 2000 were found. The European Voluntary Service (EVS) then got underway in 1996.

Experience of the EVS has been good, but hard work, particularly dealing with visas, social security issues etc. The young people involved have been keen on giving their time in community projects. They acquire social skills and good language skills. Their mobility is increased - a significant number stay in the host country after their placement, get a job and forge links. Voluntary service also helps young people integrate in a helpful way, and opens and changes their minds. Many of the young people continue to communicate with each other and form alumni associations after their placements. As well as seeking to expand its work within the EU and central Europe, the EVS is looking to link up with countries from Eastern Europe, Latin America and Africa.

The experience of the young people is helping to create a civic society, and the young people are also contributing to on-going development by putting forward their own new ideas about ways of volunteering. In helping to change society, this work is a tool for fighting the cancer of exclusion and for integrating, in particular, the disadvantaged young people of Europe (20%-25% of young Europeans are in a situation of being marginalized). Also, despite the peaceful stability of the EU, the danger of extreme nationalism, racism and fascism should not be under-estimated - 25%-30% of young people have xenophobic attitudes, and a large part of extreme right-wing voters are young people. Flexible youth work and the informal education it includes have a role to play in fostering much needed co-operation and solidarity.

Earlier this month (June 1998) the European Commission made a very important political decision which will affect youth policy in the EU. It decided on an integrated programme for youth from the year 2000, with a budget of £400million. This means that for the first time, youth work has become a political priority. It goes to the top of the agenda alongside education and training. This reflects some acknowledgement on the part of policy-makers that youth work has a very important role to play in the future of Europe.