Toward social dialogue in the Arab Mediterranean countries: Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon and Morocco

Abstract

This policy report addresses some of the issues of social and economic exclusion of youth from the spheres of industry and work across the Arab Mediterranean countries-with a focus on Morocco, Algeria, Egypt and Lebanon. The policy report aims to promote policies of social dialogue that can improve the conditions for social cohesion at national levels. The report is aimed at decision makers at EU level. Given that a variety of research methodologies were used by each country-and with different conclusions drawn-the report provides recommendations that are specific to the national level. In the case of Lebanon, it is recommended that EU social partners endorse strategies aimed at reducing difference in pedagogical standards between public and private education institutions. Recommendations for Egypt are related to promoting skill-training programmes that can assist in improving employability of young people from marginalized backgrounds. In Algeria, further measures should be taken to encourage the conditions in which social dialogue can occur in work environments. For Morocco: further steps should be taken to encourage young people to engage with institutions at local and national levels.