Providing young Europeans with employment opportunities is a key priority under the Irish EU Presidency which was officially launched in the Parliament in Strasbourg by An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny this week according Jim Higgins MEP said.
“Ireland, in assuming the Presidency of the European Council over the next six months, will be responsible for concluding a new Youth Guarantee scheme which requires all Member States to put youth first in providing training opportunities and growing job prospects," the North West MEP continued.
“Today, the Taoiseach spoke of the great hardships endured by the Irish people in the wake of the economic crisis. Mr Kenny urged Europe's law makers to restore confidence of citizens by giving them job security so that our people can live better, safer and more prosperous lives,” he added.
According to MEP Higgins securing the next EU budget for 2014-2020 will be crucial for funding programmes that directly support Irish citizens. “I agree with Mr Kenny's comments that a fair and balanced budget is crucial for our future prospects, particularly with regard to the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy and Common Fisheries Policy.
“I look forward to representing Ireland North West in Europe during this seventh Irish EU Presidency and beyond. I am confident that Ireland will continue its impressive record in Europe in terms of political representation and results-driven EU Presidencies,” MEP Higgins concluded.
