EU Pushes Social Media Age Gates as Germany’s Youth Face Record Training Shortfall
Published on 07/14/2026 at 03:22 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
Brussels is preparing to lock children under 13 out of social media except under parental supervision or for educational purposes, while Germany grapples with its worst shortage of apprenticeship placements since 2009. The European Commission, led by President Ursula von der Leyen, aims to table a draft law by autumn that would extend mandatory age verifications to app stores and AI chatbots—possibly using the EUDI Wallet as a technical solution.
The initiative follows a recommendation from an expert panel that warned of the risks unrestricted access poses to young people. In Berlin, the Union faction supports national solo efforts, whereas the Greens and the Left demand tighter platform regulation. Researchers and the German Ethics Council, however, caution against blanket age checks and sweeping bans.
At home, the numbers driving the apprenticeship crisis are stark. The German Trade Union Federation (DGB) reports that roughly 40,000 young people remain without a training place this year—the highest figure in 16 years. According to the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), nearly 2.76 million people aged 20 to 34 now hold no vocational qualification at all.
Quality inside companies is also under fire. Around 15 percent of apprentices say they are assigned tasks unrelated to their training field, and a third regularly work overtime. The DGB is therefore demanding a training levy to force more companies to provide placements and to guarantee minimum standards.
On the local level, the town of Karben is trying a different approach to youth participation. After lengthy preparation, it will introduce a youth council this autumn. Teenagers between 13 and 18 can vote in the election, and the body will enjoy the right to submit motions and speak at city council meetings—a modest but concrete step toward political involvement.
Meanwhile, Germany’s top labour court has issued rulings that reshape workplace democracy. In two decisions on 28 January 2026 (case numbers 7 ABR 23/24 and 7 ABR 26/24), the Federal Labour Court (BAG) declared works council elections at remote sites invalid. The reason: a local managerial authority was missing. Digital communication alone, the judges ruled, does not create a separate establishment.
A separate judgment on 15 April 2026 (7 AZR 114/25) clarified how works council members are paid. To claim higher remuneration, the councillor must prove that the amount matches a hypothetical position’s actual salary—merely demonstrating personal potential is not enough.
For those seeking training in representation, the IG Metall union’s coastal district has launched a new education programme. Registrations open from October 2025.
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