The CLUSTER project has published its Policy Report on youth unemployment in the circular economy of the Mediterranean. The conclusions of the report highlight the following identified measures and actions to foster the occupation of youth in the Mediterranean Circular Economy (CE):

• Shift labour demand towards circular models through circular and green tax regimes, circular industrial policies and benefits for circular businesses that employ young people.
• Mitigate the impact of employment erosion created by the circular transition in linear sectors, nationally through schemes combining social protection, reskilling, and lifelong learning, and abroad through equal-footed cooperation.
• Generate an adequate labour supply to sustain the transition by revising education, fostering Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) studies, giving more centrality to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems…
• Foster entrepreneurial literacy and skills through programmes, university curricula, expanding innovation hubs and Living Labs, and supporting start-ups and young entrepreneurs.
• Implement gendered approaches to unemployment, education, and training.
• Promote youth protagonism at all levels in private and public organisations.
• At national, regional, and local level, prioritise circular strategies that build on already available resources.
• Raise awareness of the benefits and existing instruments and programmes of the CE.
• Develop strong and clear legislative frameworks that define circularity.

In conclusion, the strategy for fostering youth employment in the circular economy should encompass a range of actions.

Read the full report here.