Despite the low number of young Europeans working abroad, the survey presented by the European Commission highlights a desire of young people to work abroad. Currently, less than 3% of Europe's working population lives outside their home country. In general, the lack of cash discourages many of them from taking a first step towards this by spending part of their education abroad.

According to the latest Eurobarometer survey, 53% of young people in Europe are willing or keen to work in another European country, but lack of cash discourages many of them. The survey, conducted in the context of the Commission's 'Youth on the Move' strategy, is published in the framework of the 2011 European Youth Week (15-21 May).

Only one in seven (14%) young Europeans have been abroad for education or training. Most of them stated the lack of funding prevents many from doing so. Of those who said they had wanted to go abroad, 33% said they couldn't afford it; nearly two-thirds of those who did had to rely on private funding or savings.

In addition, the survey shows that students who spend part of their studies or training outside their home country boost their employability and are more likely to work abroad later in life. Employers value the skills they gain such as the ability to speak a foreign language, adaptability and interpersonal competences.

European Youth Week 2011

The fifth European Youth Week, from 15-21 May, provides a forum to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing young people today. There will be 33 countries participating which are already involved in the Commission's Youth in Action programme (27 EU Member States, Croatia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey).

Commission President José Manuel Barroso and Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou will take part in a debate with young people in the Belgian city of Antwerp (2011 European Youth Capital) on the priorities of the Youth on the Move strategy. The focus will be on the quality and relevance of higher education, the promotion of learning mobility, and how to help young people to develop their employability and entrepreneurship skills.

Moreover, President Barroso will present awards for the best European Voluntary Service (EVS) projects supported by the EU's Youth in Action programme. The winning projects, selected by an inter-institutional jury, showcase how EVS contributes to the Europe 2020 strategy. The EVS is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2011, which is also the European Year of Volunteering.