The phenomenon of NEETs in the European labour market — an outline of the issue

The article describes the phenomenon of NEETs (young people not in employment, education or training) in the European labour market. The focus of the article is on the presentation of Eurostat statistical data. It shows the dynamics of change in the population share of young people meeting all of the three conditions: they are not gainfully employed, enrolled at any kind of education institution, and do not gain work experience as trainees or interns. Available quantitative data shows the scale of this unfavourable social phenomenon in the years 2006—2015 within the area of the European Union. The scale of the NEETs phenomenon was visible before, during, and after the recent economic crisis. Due to the lack of unambiguous defining framework — referring to the age limits of persons included in the NEETs category — the scale of this phenomenon, based on Eurostat’s analyses, was presented in reference to broader perspective: 15—34 years, and then among people aged 18—24. Not only does the article indicate a number of adverse consequences of this phenomenon, but also delineates recommendations whose implementation could contribute to curbing it