Challenges of the labor market: is there a place for everyone and how EU support helps to stay in circulation
Despite a labor shortage, many seniors, disabled individuals, and youth in Latvia remain excluded from the job market.
The article discusses the challenges faced by the labor market in Latvia, where a significant portion of the population, including seniors, disabled individuals, and youth, are still outside the employment sector despite an apparent shortage of workers. The author emphasizes that merely financial investments are not enough; a transformation in the approach to employment is essential to integrate these groups into the workforce. The European Union is contributing to this transformation by providing funding aimed at facilitating the participation of these demographics in the labor market.
The piece further explains the foundation of the EU's cohesion policy, which operates on the principle of solidarity—wealthier EU member states provide assistance to those with lower economic indicators. This strategy is designed to balance economic and social disparities across the EU regions and member states. The support provided through various EU funds aims to significantly enhance the employability of underrepresented groups in Latvia and other less economically advanced regions of Europe.
Moreover, the article outlines the different funds that implement the cohesion policy, mainly focusing on the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund Plus. These funds play crucial roles in mitigating the current labor market challenges by providing necessary resources for creating job opportunities, training, and support for vulnerable populations, ensuring that no group is left behind in the evolving labor market.