The ratio in Hungary fell from close to 23% in 2013 to 15.4% in 2016, Rétvári said. Fewer than half of the EU-28 reduced the proportion of young people neither learning nor employed during the period, he added.

The government’s youth-friendly, future-oriented and predictable policy helps youth realise their potential, become active members of society and start families, he said. About two-thirds of Hungarian youth see their future only in Hungary, which is why “we’re striving to create the most favourable conditions for starting a family”, he added.

More than 50,000 families have taken advantage of some 136 billion forints (EUR 445m) in home purchase subsidies since the government expanded the funding available for the purpose in 2015, he noted.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.