1

Why the project matters

Youth unemployment rates in the Mediterranean – especially in Lebanon, Egypt, and Southern Italy – remain significant. In Lebanon alone, youth unemployment reached nearly 48% in 2022, compared to the national unemployment rate of 29.6% (project data). Many young people complete their studies without acquiring the practical skills needed in today’s labor market, especially within local MSMEs that dominate the region’s economy. Bridging this gap is essential to reduce inequality, prevent brain drain, and boost local development.

2

What it aims to achieve

• To develop and implement a cross-border internship scheme matching youth with local MSMEs.
• To build the capacity of MSMEs to mentor, onboard, and support young talent.
• To improve youth employability through practical, tailored skills training.

3

Expected change

• Enhanced employment prospects for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Strengthened role of MSMEs as youth mentors and engines of local growth.
• Reduced skills mismatch and stronger vocational pathways in the Mediterranean.

4

What the project delivers

• 60 youth internships in three pilot territories: Southern Sardinia, Beirut, and Alexandria.
• A Euromed Internships Matching Platform for companies and candidates.
• Personalized onboarding and reintegration plans to guide interns as they enter the workplace and support them in applying their new skills after the internship ends.
• Policy recommendations for youth inclusion and workforce readiness in the region.

5

Who benefits

• 105 young people from Italy, Lebanon, and Egypt, with a focus on those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• MSMEs that host and mentor interns, benefiting from training and new perspectives.
• Youth organizations, trainers, educators, and local stakeholders involved in the scheme.
• Policymakers and local authorities supported with concrete recommendations and models.