ARTE Europe Weekly: EU States’ Dilemmas About Crackdowns on Youth Crime

With youth crime on the rise, several European nations are debating whether to lower the age of criminal responsibility, which would mean jailing minors more frequently. This controversial approach reflects deep-seated concerns about escalating juvenile delinquency, but it also raises ethical questions about how to best address the root causes of youth crime. The debate underscores broader issues about the effectiveness of punitive measures versus rehabilitative strategies in youth justice systems across the EU, highlighting the tension between security and compassion in modern governance.