European Commission Vice-President Antonio Tajani has dedicated Europe Day 2011 to young people who have faced difficulties finding work. He met more than 1000 young people at the University of Milan Bicocca together with representatives of all leading Italian trade unions and of entrepreneurial associations. He also promoted among young people the “Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs” action.

The European Commission Representation in Milan, the office of the European Parliament and the University of Milano-Bicocca, organized the event in Italy to remember and celebrate the birth of a united Europe. The “Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs” is financed by the European Commission and operates across EU Member States with the help of more than 160 intermediary organisations which have prominent business support background, such as Chambers of Commerce, business support organisations or start-up centres.

During his visit to Milano, Mr. Tajani stressed the importance of small enterprises because they are creating most new jobs and they are the driving force of our economy. He also underlined this is one of the main priorities of the EU, to ensure that there are prospects for growth and provide employment to young Europeans.

In line with the Small Business Act (SBA), several major developments have taken place to ensure that more jobs are available for young people

• Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs: This programme provides intensive on-the-job-training for 5 month in a company abroad in the EU, which will facilitate a successful start to their business training and offers potentially viable business ideas.
• The SBA as a tool for job creation: Many initiatives are run under this scheme to support small enterprises and helping to combat youth unemployment in this challenging economic climate.
• National Envoys for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Member States are encouraged to appoint an envoy whose task ensuring that SME issues such as improved business education are at the core of policy making.
• Adequate financing for SMEs: New approaches to improve access to finance for SMEs have been introduced and the Commission can now help a higher number of SMEs.