National Youth Council of Malta

EU Legislative Interests

Based on KNŻ's established priorities, including youth employment, mental health, civic engagement, and sustainable development, the following EU legislative proposals and policies represent key areas for targeted advocacy: 1. Youth Employment and Social Rights: Reinforced Youth Guarantee: This cornerstone of EU youth policy aims to ensure all young people under 30 receive a good quality offer of employment, continued education, an apprenticeship, or a traineeship within four months of becoming unemployed or leaving formal education. KNŻ can actively monitor Malta's implementation of the Youth Guarantee, advocating for quality offers that provide fair remuneration and valuable skills development. A key focus should be the EU's ongoing efforts to ban unpaid internships, a topic KNŻ has already highlighted in its national work. Engaging with the European Parliament and Commission on the proposed directive for quality traineeships is a primary target. European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan: This plan outlines concrete actions to further implement the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights. KNŻ can focus on principles related to fair working conditions, social protection, and equal opportunities, ensuring these are translated into tangible benefits for young people in Malta. 2. Youth Participation and Civic Engagement: EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027: The strategy's core areas of "Engage, Connect, Empower" provide a broad framework for KNŻ's activities. The council can align its national initiatives with the 11 European Youth Goals, particularly those focusing on "Connecting EU with Youth," "Youth Participation," and "Information & Constructive Dialogue." European Democracy Action Plan: This plan aims to empower citizens and build more resilient democracies across the EU. KNŻ can contribute by promoting media literacy, fighting disinformation among young people, and advocating for more inclusive democratic processes that actively involve youth. 3. Education, Culture, and Digital Transition: European Education Area (EEA): KNŻ can engage with the development of the EEA, particularly in areas of automatic mutual recognition of qualifications, promoting learning mobility (through programs like Erasmus+), and ensuring inclusive and high-quality education for all. The council can provide feedback on how these initiatives can be best tailored to the Maltese context. Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA): As young people are avid users of digital platforms, KNŻ has a vested interest in ensuring their safety and rights online. The council can monitor the implementation of the DSA and DMA, advocating for measures that protect young users from harmful content and unfair practices. European Year of Skills (Legacy Actions): Building on the legacy of the 2023 European Year of Skills, KNŻ can continue to advocate for policies that equip young people with the green and digital skills needed for the future labor market. 4. Climate Action and Sustainable Development: European Green Deal: As evidenced by their "take on COP 29," KNŻ is engaged with climate issues. The council can focus on the "just transition" elements of the Green Deal, ensuring that the shift to a sustainable economy does not disproportionately affect young people, particularly in terms of employment and affordability. EU Climate Law: This legally binding target for climate neutrality by 2050 provides a long-term framework for KNŻ's advocacy. The council can push for ambitious national policies in line with this target and advocate for greater youth involvement in climate governance. 5. Health and Well-being: EU Mental Health Strategy: Recognizing the growing concern around youth mental health, KNŻ can engage with the implementation of the comprehensive EU Mental Health Strategy. This includes advocating for accessible and affordable mental healthcare services for young people and promoting initiatives that address the mental health i

Communication Activities

Publications and Policy Papers: - Develop and disseminate policy briefs and position papers on the aforementioned EU policies, tailored to the Maltese context. A." - Publish the results of surveys and consultations with Maltese youth on their views regarding these EU policies. Events and Campaigns: - Organize public debates and panel discussions featuring Maltese MEPs, national policymakers, and youth representatives to discuss key EU legislative proposals. - Launch social media campaigns to raise awareness among young people about how EU policies affect their daily lives, using infographics, short videos, and interactive content. The "Youth Activism Matters" campaign can be a vehicle for this. - Host workshops and training sessions for youth organizations on how to engage with EU decision-making processes. Direct Engagement and Networking: - Continue and strengthen engagement with the European Youth Forum and other European-level youth networks to amplify advocacy efforts. - Leverage the KNŻ's role in hosting international events, such as the Southern Youth Councils meeting, to build alliances and share best practices on EU advocacy. Utilizing EU Funding and Platforms: - Apply for funding from programs like Erasmus+ and the European Youth Foundation to support projects and campaigns related to EU policy engagement. - Utilize platforms like the EU Youth Dialogue to channel the voices of Maltese youth directly to EU policymakers.

Interests Represented

Promotes their own interests or the collective interests of their members

Member Of

Full Member - European Youth Forum Full Member - Youth Health Organisation Full Member - Commonwealth Youth Councils

Organisation Members

Full Members: BETAPSI MALTA BLACK BALL FEDERATION CMTU YOUTH Down Syndrome Association ESO Ghaqda Studenti tal-Malti UHM MZPN Zghazagh Laburisti GWU Youths JCI JEF MAYA Moviment Graffitti MUSC MUYA Scouts Malta Malta Girl Guides TDM2000 Malta TTE INSITE JCA KSJC LGBTIQ+ Gozo MALTMUN MUT YOUTHS MHSA MKSU AEGEE Valletta GĦSL KSU MMSA S-CUBED SDM MKSA UM Rowing ASCS ELSA Malta ESN Malta MIRSA MGRM ISA Studenti Attivisti

Additional Information

The Council's expenses are primarily costs associated with hosting opportunities and learning experiences for young people in Malta. This year we will be primarily focusing on the National Youth Parliament, an Environmental Activism Programme, Election and Civic Education Campaigns along with initiatives to be organised during Pride.