PROMOTING THE VALUES AND STANDARDS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION IN THE FIELD OF YOUTH POLICY IN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

Abstract

Working with young people fosters individual and social growth through activities that help young people acquire important skills and competences. It has been incorporated into legislation, government programs and field practices. However, youth work has been under increasing pressure since the 1990s and must prove its value. People's support for youth work has begun to depend on the results it demonstrates. Work with young people was placed in the category: "Promising, but not completed". A recent EU report on youth work in Europe (2014) states: "At present, a general lack of data and a reliable assessment prevents this sector from demonstrating effectiveness." This statement points to a change in perception: youth work must scientifically prove its results in order to earn legitimacy and support. The article is analyzed the promotion of the Council of Europe’s values and standards in the field of youth policy. The current state of the youth policy sector in Europe is examined. The standards, namely the Council of Europe Quality Mark for Youth Centers, have been considered as a tool to promote and improve the work of youth centers. The study of the promotion of the Council of Europe’s values and standards in the field of youth policy is examined on the example of cities of leaders in implementing the approach of youth centers, namely Budapest and Strasbourg. The purpose of the study is to analyze methods of work, promotion of the Council of Europe’s values and standards, their experience for further implementation in Ukrainian realities. The information in this publication is the quality assurance experience acquired by some members of EYCC (European Youth Clubs Conference) in this new field, with organizations providing services to the general public. To start analyzing these different approaches in order to compare what is common and what is different in different methods. The ultimate goal is to provide quality services for young people at the highest possible level, as well as to ensure that these services continue to meet the needs of youth to develop the skills and qualities they need so that they can, as adults, live a happy and fulfilling life. The author analyzes and highlights the European experience in the development of youth policies to promote values and standards.