Since the end of the 1990s, the EU launched initiatives to tackle youth unemployment via the European Employment Strategy and the Open Method of Coordination. This �semi-binding� implementation mode is centered on improving the education of young people, instead of regulating the labour market. With the emphasis on �employability� the false impression is created that young people themselves are the cause for youth unemployment. A reformulation of the EU�s policies against youth unemployment is necessary, so that young people are not generally regarded as less qualified and less competent workers. In addition, the labour market needs regulation to counteract the overexploitation of young people.