INTERNATIONAL POLICY ANALYSIS Youth Guarantee in Times of Austerity: the Greek Case IOANNIS CHOLEZAS November 2013 n In the second quarter of 2013 youth unemployment rate in Greece was by far the highest amongst EU28 member countries and as high as 59.0 per cent. It is therefore essential for society to deal with youth unemployment in a decisive and effective manner, n Youth Guarantee is an opportunity for Greece to work on several long standing problems ranging from education to labour market institutions, while dealing with youths’ unemployment at the same time. n Careful preparation, planning, implementation and evaluation are needed, along with a continuous communication campaign to inform all social partners and eligible youths of the effort. n There should be an effort to expand the age span of those eligible from 25 to 30 years of age if we wish to realise the full impact of the Youth Guarantee, since the unemployment rate amongst those aged 25-29 is also the highest amongst EU28 member countries in the second quarter of 2013.