Greek MEP Nikolas Farantouris (S&D) has asked the European Commission to detail specific measures it will take to strengthen EU-funded programmes tackling youth unemployment, following a critical audit by the European Court of Auditors (ECA). The question, tabled on 9 June 2026, targets the effectiveness of some EUR 25 billion allocated from Cohesion Policy since 2014, which the ECA found often fails to focus on long-term labour market integration. Farantouris is particularly concerned about countries like Greece, which has one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the EU and where quality jobs with decent wages remain scarce.
first, what steps the Commission will take to improve monitoring, evaluation, and the effectiveness of hiring incentives; second, what targeted assistance it plans for member states facing persistent challenges, such as Greece. The ECA had recommended stronger monitoring, better evaluation of funded measures, and targeted support for economically inactive young people. The Commission accepted those recommendations and has acknowledged weaknesses in the Greek labour market. Farantouris now seeks to pin down the Commission on follow-up actions.
The question signals a push for more effective use of EU funds and a focus on quality employment rather than short-term placements. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks; its answer will indicate whether it plans to tighten conditions on Cohesion Policy spending or introduce new targeted programmes for high-unemployment regions. The issue affects young jobseekers, national labour authorities, EU taxpayers funding the programmes, and businesses that may benefit from hiring subsidies.