Partnership to fix youth activation failure

The Danish government has not succeeded in activating marginalized youth, with 43,000 remaining outside the labor market or education. Employment minister Ane Halsboe Jørgensen admits governments have not delivered for the youth. A new partnership, the ‘Youth Pledge’, aims to tackle this issue in collaboration with businesses, municipalities, and associations. Measures may include easier access to jobs, state-supported stays at folk high schools, and personalized activation approaches. Despite efforts, the percentage of disconnected youth has risen from 5.9% in 2021 to 6.3% in 2024. The ministers emphasize the potential benefits for both the economy and individuals if this group is integrated into the labor market.