Diego Fuentes
In the late 1990s, the term NEET emerged in the United Kingdom to describe young individuals who were not engaged in employment, education, or training. It quickly gained attraction and become a significant concern across Europe and beyond. The term “NEET” has been adopted by most EU member states. This phenomenon highlighted challenges in transitioning from school to the workforce, with factors such as inadequate education, job scarcity and societal inequalities playing crucial roles. NEETs faced increased risks of poverty, social exclusion and limited opportunities for personal and professional growth.
As of today, NEETs continue to represent a substantial portion of the youth young demographic in many countries, including those within the European Union. Over eight million young individuals across the EU find themselves classified as NEETs. In 2023, NEETs made up more than 11 percent of the EU’s 15-29-year-old population, presenting a significant concern within the realm of youth unemployment.
Despite efforts to address the issue, such as the introduction of indicators like NEET rates and various support programs; the problem persists. The severity of NEET prevalence varies across regions and is influenced by factors like economic conditions, education systems and social policies. While some NEETs manage to find pathways to employment or further education, others remain trapped in cycles of unemployment and social marginalization.
The severity of the NEET issue varies widely, ranging from nearly 5 % in the Netherlands to over 19 % in Romania. To address this issue, the European Commission has introduced indicators like NEET rates to monitor and tackle the problem, recognizing the link between higher NEET rates and elevated poverty levels. With the aim of reducing the overall NEET rate to 9% by 2030, the EU seeks to strengthen the labor market and alleviate skill shortages. Despite the straightforward acronym, the presence of socioeconomic disparities across EU nations complicate finding effective solutions applicable to every member state.
As wasstated by Mark Levels, a quantitative sociologist and professor at Maastricht University, “ the status of NEET is related to a whole range of social problems. NEETs are much more likely to be poor, much more likely to live life of social exclusion and much less likely to transition to the labor market later on. For society, the total cost in terms of missed labor productivity, the cost of social programs and also the cost of trying to regulate crime and so forth, are huge. They amount to about € 142 billion a year”.
Looking ahead, addressing the NEET phenomenon will likely remain a priority for policy makers, educators, and community leaders. With the rapid evolution of technology and shifts in the labor market, new challenges and opportunities will emerge for NEETs. Predictive analytics and data-driven approaches may play a more significant role in identifying at-risk individuals and tailoring interventions to their specific needs.
Additionally, there may be greater emphasis on holistic support systems that address not only employment and education but also mental health, social integration and personal development. Collaboration between governments, educational institutions, business and civil society will be essential in creating comprehensive solutions that empower NEETs to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
