Youth labour market performance in European regions

The aim of this paper is to analyse differences and changes in youth labour market performance in a large sample of European regions. The first part provides some key theoretical background. Then, after some basic descriptive analysis, regional male and female youth unemployment rate determinants are studied econometrically by means of dynamic spatial panel techniques (1999-2006). The analysis distinguishes the two samples of western and eastern regions. Descriptive outcomes show remarkable stability of youth unemployment rates at high levels, and their clear-cut temporal and spatial patterns. Among youth unemployment determinants, some structural factors and institutional and policy settings emerge as the most significant, but their role strongly depends on the gender group and the geographical sample considered.