New Eurobarometer survey shows young people’s active participation in civic and democratic life ahead of the upcoming European elections

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.

Ahead of the European elections taking place from 6 to 9 June, the Commission has published today a Eurobarometer on Youth and Democracy, revealing early indications of 64% of young people saying they intend to vote. However, while 38% indicated that they think voting is the most effective action to make their voice heard, some 19% said they were not interested in politics and 13% were not interested in voting.

The survey showed that many young people are active and engaged: 64% said that they have participated in the activities of one or more organisations in the past 12 months. In addition, 48% reported that they had taken action to change society through signing a petition, participating in a rally, or sending a letter to a politician. In particular, young people were active on topics relating to human rights (34%), climate change and environment (33%), health and wellbeing (29%) and equal rights regardless of gender, race or sexuality (29%).

Young people felt that the education system has prepared them well for some of the challenges that they face. For example, 73% said their education has equipped them with the necessary digital skills to identify disinformation. 72% said their education has taught them to take care of the environment.

Finally, the survey showed that young people continue to have a European outlook. More than 43% have participated in an activity in another EU country. Typical examples of this includes studying or training (16%), volunteering (12%) or working (12%). Nearly half of the surveyed young people (49%) say that they are aware of the funding opportunities offered by Erasmus+, the EU programme for education, training, youth, and sport. In addition, 67% of young people believe that the EU has an impact, at least to some extent, on their daily life, while 26% say it does not and 7% don’t know.

Background

The Flash Eurobarometer survey 545 ‘Youth and Democracy’ was carried out between 3 April and 12 April 2024, targeting a representative sample of 26,189 young people aged 15 to 30 in the 27 Member States. The survey was conducted through computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI).

The results of the Eurobarometer will further inform the work done by the European Commission as outlined in the Commission’s Communication on the legacy of the European Year of Youth.  The Commission has appointed an EU Youth Coordinator, and is setting up a youth check in the EU policymaking process. In the context of the European Youth Week in April 2024, both Vice President Margaritis Schinas and Commissioner Iliana Ivanova hosted youth policy dialogues. Participation in democratic life, common European values and civic engagement lie at the very heart of the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes.

For More Information

Eurobarometer survey

European Youth Portal

Communication on the legacy of the European Year of Youth 2022

How to vote in the European elections

Quote(s)

This Eurobarometer on youth and democracy gives cause for hope. The engagement of young Europeans in the European elections is essential for the future of our Union. By casting their vote they can shape the policies that will shape their lives. The 2019 election saw a big increase in youth participation. In the current turbulent times, I’m optimistic that 2024 will see us build on that positive trend, to allow for our European democracy to thrive.

Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life

With our recent youth communication, we presented ways of getting young people more involved in policy and decision making. It’s crucial that they have a say in decisions that will shape their lives. This is why it’s encouraging to see these results, showing that many young people are active and engaged and plan to vote. However, there are still too many who are not interested in taking part in the democratic process. We need to engage them and ensure that their voices are also heard.

Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth