On 28 February 2013, Council on Employment, social policy, Health and Consumer Affairs came up with a new strategy aimed at reducing youth unemployment and ensuring a smooth transition from schooling life to employment. The youth guarantee scheme has been created as a response to worsening unemployment among European youth. The schemes should guarantee a good-quality offer of employment, continued education, an apprenticeship or a traineeship within 4 months. These schemses should be implemented no later than in 2014.

Part of the scheme funding will be supported by EU funds which will be reinforced by a new initiative making €6 billion available for the period 2014-2020. It will help regions with youth unemployment rates above 25 % to take steps to boost youth employment. Half of that amount will be allocated from the European Social Fund, the other half from a dedicated youth employment budget line.

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