Mediterranean’s got talent! Empowering youth with blue and green skills

Youth unemployment in the Mediterranean is a pressing issue, but recent initiatives show promise for change. At the European Week of Regions and Cities 2024, the Interreg NEXT Med programme hosted a dynamic workshop dedicated to empowering the region’s youth. In partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye – celebrating two decades of involvement in territorial cooperation under Interreg – experts gathered to discuss how EU-funded projects are equipping young people with essential skills for the blue and green sectors, areas increasingly recognised for their potential to drive both economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Youth unemployment and brain drain

“Half a billion people live in the Mediterranean, and half of them are under 30. Over 60 million are just 18 years old, many of whom are NEETs (not in education, employment, or training)”. Martin Heibel from the Managing Authority of Interreg NEXT Med paints the picture:  with these high numbers, it’s clear that opportunities are scarce, leading many young people to seek brighter prospects elsewhere. “We miss the talents we need to develop our countries and region” continues Heibel, stressing the importance of providing training opportunities while addressing pressing issues like climate change and sustainability. Initiatives funded by the ENI CBC Med programmes, like RESMYLE and YEP MED, are making use of this potential by providing young individuals with the skills they need to enhance their careers or even launch their own businesses.

Encouraging youth to stay in the region

“Seven hundred participants were involved in practical workshops and eco-incubators, leading to 188 young people launching 130 projects, while 241 have secured stable employment after engaging in its activities”. Hiba Fawaz, Agriculture Program Manager for the Association for the Development of Rural capacities in Lebanon, presents the project RESMYLE and the tools offered to enable young people and entrepreneurs to find a job or launch an eco-business across five countries: France, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon and Tunisia.  “To thrive in today’s rapidly changing job market – she continues – we must cultivate both technical skills and soft skills”.

Equipping students with technical knowledge but has also ensuring they develop the soft skills needed to excel through field experiences: such recipe for success is shared as well by Marta Miquel, Chief Business Officer at Escola Europea, who highlights the critical need for such training and collaboration between partners. The YEP MED project includes eight port communities in Spain, Italy, Lebanon, Egypt, Tunisia, France and Jordan. The project’s goal is to equip participants with essential tools to navigate logistics and port operations, to make port commerce more appealing to youth. “Our training incorporates digital skills and sustainability practices – she explains – bridging the gap between education and employment”.

As a result, 4.928 students in all the involved countries have successfully completed courses, 72 teachers have been trained, and over 850 participants have secured internships or job placements. “This sector is undergoing a major digital transformation – emphasises Miquel – and it’s crucial we incorporate these skills into our training programmes”.

To prosper in the blue and green sectors, young people need more than just training; they require a supportive framework. Both Martin Heibel and Övünç Güneş, from the Turkish National Authority, underscore the importance of financial support for young entrepreneurs. “Having the knowledge is essential – affirms Heibel – but often you need that financial push to turn ideas into reality”.

Hiba Fawaz from Lebanon echoes this sentiment, adding: “Even modest grants, sometimes as little as 4.000 EUR, can have a transformative impact. Training without the resources to implement can lead to frustration, so it’s vital we establish financial initiatives such as grants and micro-loans.” This financial backing can empower young entrepreneurs to take their first steps, turning innovative ideas into successful initiatives.

Working together

Cross-border collaboration is essential for unlocking opportunities across the Mediterranean. The region’s diverse socio-economic landscapes necessitate a cooperative approach to training and skill development. Projects like YEP MED and RESMYLE have formed transnational partnerships that allow young people to learn from one another while gaining insights from different cultural perspectives.

When discussing common challenges and expectations, the panellists are optimistic. Övünç Güneş expresses excitement about the programme’s potential: in Türkiye, “we have high hopes for collaboration. Creating vocational guidance is a priority; we want to do more for our youth.” Hiba Fawaz also emphasises the benefits of youth connecting with peers from other countries, fostering strong networks and shared experiences. “Interacting with youth from different backgrounds opens doors to new ideas and approaches,” she notes, illustrating the power of cross-cultural exchange.

Reflecting on the collaborative spirit within YEP MED, Marta Miquel shares that the interactions during training events have resulted in lasting relationships among participants from various ports. “We wanted to keep these connections alive, so we created a collaborative network for sharing content and experiences,” she says. This ongoing dialogue is crucial for sustaining momentum and driving innovation in the blue and green sectors.

With targeted training, financial support, and cross-border collaboration, the blue and green sectors offer significant promise in addressing youth unemployment. By equipping the next generation with essential skills and resources, we can enable new potential and promote a sustainable future in the Mediterranean.

Martin Heibel adds: “The DG REGIO document “Manifesto For Young People By Young People” specifically highlights the importance of integrating youth into our programmes. We strive to deliver for young people, but we also want them to act, especially regarding the future. To make Interreg attractive to communities, we need to diversify our target groups, including young people, women in rural areas, individuals with disabilities, and those facing access challenges. It’s our duty.”