European Experience in the Formation and Implementation of Youth Policy in the Context of Social Protection, Youth Development, and Preservation of Human Potential

Abstract

The article studies the European experience of formation and implementation of youth policy in the context of social protection, youth development, and preservation of human potential on the example of the Nordic countries (Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, Finland, Great Britain, and the Baltic countries). The common features of the youth policy of the studied countries are revealed as follows: the inter-sectoral nature of youth policy; multi-aspectivity in substantiating the strategic objectives of youth policy; decentralization of the administration system; observance of parity between the State and the civil society structures; focus on strengthening the involvement of young people in the life of society; ensuring equal opportunities for different social groups of young people; protection of young people in the labor market, etc. The basic principles laid down by the Nordic countries in the substantiation and implementation of youth policy are established as follows: participation of young people in public life at the local and regional levels should become part of the general policy of involving citizens in public life; the strategies that are implemented in all areas should include a youth component, so local and regional authorities are obligated to ensure in practice various forms of youth participation in the life of society; the provisions and various forms of participation in society apply to all young people without discrimination. This study will be useful in developing specific proposals for upgrading the National Youth Strategy until 2030, as well as in updating the list of measures for its implementation in 2024-2030.