The impact of the EU youth strategy 2019-2027 on the Maltese youth policy towards 2030

Abstract

Any society's future lies with its young people. Young people drive economic development as future employees, entrepreneurs, and leaders. They must be supported and given opportunities for growth, education, and achievement. The central premise of this study was to evaluate how the most recent national youth policy, 'Towards 2030', differs from the most recent EU youth strategy, 2019–2027. It is important to note that Malta had a youth policy before joining the EU. This means that, while the comparative analysis research indicates some link between the two levels, Malta had already established its growth toward young advancement within society before joining the EU, adding an interesting dimension to the study. The study delves into the interplay between the European Union's Youth Strategy 2019-2027 and Malta's national youth policy "Towards 2030." A vital aspect of this analysis is a comparative study that outlines how the EU's overarching framework has influenced the localised context of Maltese youth policy development. The study identifies the alignment and, importantly, the unique adaptations made by Malta in response to the European model. This underscores Malta's proactive approach to youth policy development, which was already underway before joining the EU. The study reveals that while the EU strategy offers broad directives to empower young people across diverse domains—including social inclusion, education, and civic participation—Malta's implementation exhibits specifically tailored responses that reflect its unique socio-cultural landscape. Through this comparison, the study underscores the dynamic interaction between EU strategy and national policy-making, illustrating how Malta navigates these influences to foster a youth policy that aligns with European ideals and addresses the distinct needs of its youth population. The findings contribute to understanding the role of EU strategies in shaping member states' youth policies and the adaptive strategies nations employ to integrate these influences into their national agendas.