In order to support the EU Neighbourhood and Enlargement policy dialogue in the area of human capital development, the European Training Foundation (ETF) launched the study "Youth in transition: identifying profiles and characteristics to tap into young people's potential in the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean (SEMED) region." This report assesses the situation of young people in relation to changing labour markets and social conditions from the SEMED regional perspective. Taking into account the challenging situation young people are currently facing, a large part of the analysis looks into the situation of young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs). This vast group consists mainly of young people who are inactive -- not looking for any job -- or unemployed. However, as very often in this region those who have a job are in a precarious position, the report also looks at the situation of young people who are in employment, to assess their status and conditions, as well as their perception and use of skills. The report is divided into three parts: (1) a regional overview (setting the scene for the SEMED region); (2) more detailed insights from two case studies, namely Egypt and Jordan; and (3) policy reflections from the region.