Mecklenburg-Vorpommern commission proposes broad reforms to make state more attractive for young people
A state parliament commission in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has adopted a 400-page report with over 60 recommendations aimed at improving life for young people and stemming population decline.
Commission formation and process
The 25-member commission "Jung sein in MV" was established by the Schwerin state parliament in January 2022, including lawmakers from all factions plus the FDP group, as well as representatives from sports associations, environmental groups, and the youth welfare office. Over four years, it held around 50 sessions, hearing from 300 experts and engaging nearly 5,000 young people in hearings and discussions. This week it adopted a 400-page final report containing over 60 recommendations across four main areas: social and political participation, formal and non-formal education, healthy and safe growing up, and child- and youth-friendly infrastructure and living spaces.
The final report is not an endpoint, but a mandate.
Education and career preparation
The recommendations emphasize early childhood focus on core competencies like reading, writing, math, and language. Schools should provide more individualized support and teach critical engagement with artificial intelligence. Homework volume and frequency should be limited. To prepare young people realistically for training and study paths, career orientation should be integrated across subjects in schools, involving regional companies, and a statewide internship portal should be established. Teachers should be relieved of non-pedagogical tasks, and mandatory teaching hours should be gradually reduced.
Health, safety, and participation
For mental and physical well-being, the commission proposes low-threshold sports and exercise programs, healthy meals in daycares and schools, and early intervention for psychological issues. Promoting democracy and political education should be combined with digital literacy, given the increasing influence of disinformation, hate speech, and AI-generated falsehoods on young people’s lives. Preventive measures are needed.
Political path forward
The report will be presented to the state parliament in early July as a legislative request supported jointly by the SPD, Left, Greens, CDU, and the FDP group. The AfD faction does not back the motion. The recommendations are intended as a roadmap for the next state government.
