Why 15% of youth are being left Behind: the NEET crisis

A hidden crisis shaping a generation

By 2025, around 15% of young people in Europe will fall under the category of NEET—“Not in Education, Employment, or Training.” This means they neither attend school nor work nor participate in vocational programs. Beneath this seemingly simple acronym lies a deeply concerning reality with far-reaching consequences for individuals and society. Despite its significance, few truly understand the full impact of this issue or what it reveals about the challenges of our time.

Who are the NEETs?

Imagine a 22-year-old graduate struggling to find a job, his days stretching endlessly between fruitless job searches and growing self-doubt. Or a teenager who dropped out of school to support her family but cannot find suitable training to rebuild her future. These are the NEETs: a generation stuck in limbo, neither entirely lost nor fully integrated.

The term NEET first emerged in Japan in the 1990s before spreading to Europe and the United States. Today, it describes many young people from diverse backgrounds, but they share one commonality: exclusion from traditional education and employment systems. In Scotland, a study found that being NEET at ages 16 to 19 doubles the likelihood of remaining economically inactive at age 36.

Why do they become NEET?

NEETs are often unfairly labeled as “lazy” or “unmotivated,” but the reality is far more nuanced. Many face significant barriers such as mental health challenges, low self-esteem, learning disabilities, or difficult family circumstances, including low parental education or financial hardship. Additionally, educational systems often fail to align with the demands of the job market, leaving many NEETs without clear pathways forward.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the issue, disrupting access to education and diminishing job opportunities. While it may appear to be a temporary phase—a brief pause before entering the workforce or resuming studies—prolonged time as a NEET can make re-entering education or employment increasingly challenging, creating a cycle that is hard to break.

The consequences of an invisible status

A longitudinal study in Sweden reveals that young people classified as NEET face significant challenges beyond securing stable employment. They are also more vulnerable to mental health issues and long-term financial instability.

The economic implications are substantial. NEETs fail to contribute to tax revenues and often rely on social welfare systems, placing additional strain on public resources. For European states, the cost of NEET youth is estimated at a staggering €153 billion annually—equivalent to 1.2% of the EU’s GDP.

Breaking the vicious cycle

How can this challenge be effectively addressed? While initiatives exist, they often fall short of reaching all NEETs. Germany’s dual education system—blending theoretical learning with practical workplace training—has remarkably lowered NEET rates. However, its reliance on strong corporate participation makes it challenging to replicate in other countries.

In Turkey, a recent study highlighted the critical role of psychological support and personalized mentoring in helping young people overcome emotional obstacles and regain motivation. Without tailored, individualized approaches, many NEETs remain beyond the reach of conventional solutions.

Redefining the future of work and education

The NEET phenomenon forces us to rethink our approach to education and work. Generation ZAlpha rejects the traditional “degree-to-lifetime-job” model. Facing automation, digitalization, and the gig economy, they seek more flexible and meaningful career paths.

Solutions like micro-certifications, online learning platforms, and entrepreneurial mentoring programs could open new avenues. Imagine modular universities where students return for short, intensive learning blocks throughout their professional lives.

A generation to reinvent

NEETs are not a lost generation—they are a generation awaiting new solutions suited to their times. They could become pioneers of new working and living methods with the right support.

The stakes are high: it’s not just about preventing a social crisis but unlocking the potential of a creative, connected, and resilient generation. The urgency is apparent—it’s time to turn “NEET” into the New Era of Engaged Talent.