The Council adopted a set of key messages addressed to the spring meeting of the European Council (13 and 14 March) on further implementation of the European Pact for Youth.

Following a reference to the progress made in implementing the European Pact for Youth in 2007 and to the analysis of the National Reform Programmes for 2007 and drawing on the Commission's strategic report on the renewed Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs: launching the new cycle (2008- 2010) - keeping up the pace of change, the Council announced the following priorities for further implementation of the Pact:

Youth employment, participation in education and training and the social integration of young people should remain key objectives of the economic and social strategies, and member states should focus on concrete measures in order to tackle these challenges.

Particular attention should be paid to young people with fewer opportunities, especially through stronger guidance, multidisciplinary support and tailored measures.

  Efforts should be maintained to develop the youth dimension, based on a cross-sectoral approach and youth empowerment, in the governance of the Lisbon strategy.