Youth labour market in the European Union countries – convergence or divergence?

Abstract

The permanent division of the EU Member States into a southern region (with huge imbalances in the youth labour market) and a northern region (with a relatively good situation for the youngest part of the workforce) is a serious challenge for the cohesion policy. The aim of this research is to assess the divergence of the youth labour market in the EU countries and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on it. In the research, classical measures of dispersion were used and the gamma convergence method was adopted. The used indicators were: NEETs and the unemployment rate (age group between 15–24 years old). Research results: despite significant disproportions, the existence of convergence was found, although the COVID-19 crisis inhibited it.