Commission expands youth participation with new Youth Report, Eurobarometer survey and online debate

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

The Commission is launching a new online debate on the Citizens’ Engagement Platform, alongside the publication of the 2024 EU Youth Report and the latest Eurobarometer survey on young people’s views. The debate builds onthe Youth Policy Dialogues that took place during the Commission’s first 100 days, bringing the most prominent themes raised by young people into an open, EU-wide discussion.

This initiative comes as a new Eurobarometer survey shows that 61% of young Europeans are optimistic about the future of the EU. Six out of ten (60%) also believe that the EU has a positive impact on society. Young people see as the EU’s main strengths the freedom to live, study and work in another EU country (32%), strong relationships and solidarity between Member States (28%), and the EU’s commitment to democracy and fundamental values (25%).

In parallel, the Commission also published the EU Youth Report 2024, offering an overview of young people’s life in the EU and the progress under the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027. The report reaffirms the Commission’s commitment to ensuring young people’s voices remain central to EU policymaking. The report includes pointers for further action in the field of youth to promote engagement and more opportunities for young people.

New online debate invites young Europeans to shape EU policy

Today’s new online debate on the Citizens’ Engagement Platform will allow more people of all ages to build upon the exchanges of the Youth Policy Dialogues. Launched as an annual initiative, the Youth Policy Dialogues encourage young people to express their views on EU policy initiatives by interacting with Commissioners and to integrate the youth’s views into the EU’s political agenda. By now moving this important debate online, more young people will be able to contribute.

Eurobarometer shows youth optimism, but concerns persist

According to the fresh Eurobarometer data, the interviewees identify as the most pressing concerns for the future the cost of living (41%), and peace and global stability (30%), with 31% of young Europeans believe security and defence should be the EU’s top priority. 38% also believe the EU should invest more in affordable housing and cost-of-living support.

While almost two thirds (65%) of young Europeans are satisfied with the way democracy works in the EU, above one third (34%) of them see false and misleading information as the biggest threat to democracy. 67% of young Europeans would be interested in attending a dialogue with other young Europeans and with EU representatives on matters of interest for the future of the EU.

The Eurobarometer also showed the importance of online platforms as a key youth and information source, with social media platforms (42%) the most commonly used sources of news among young Europeans.

2024 Youth Report outlines EU support for young people amid ongoing challenges

The report reinforces the findings of the Eurobarometer survey, highlighting that nearly 60% of Young Europeans have a positive perception of the EU, and over 70% of young Europeans vote.

The report outlines the challenges young Europeans are facing, while highlighting the evolving EU policies aimed at enhancing young people’s lives. Youth unemployment remains a concern at 10%, and while educational attainment is improving, 30% of EU 15-year-olds struggle with basic math, and 28% lack digital skills. Mental health is also a growing challenge, with nearly 50% of young people reporting emotional or psychosocial difficulties in the past year.

The Report emphasises initiatives supporting civic engagement, quality and equity in education and lifelong learning, skills development for better employment, and promoting psychosocial support and healthy lifestyles.

As a next step to the EU Youth Report, the Commission will continue to engage young people and stakeholders in 2025-2026 to shape the next EU Youth Strategy beyond 2027.

Background

The Flash Eurobarometer 556 was conducted between 11 and 20 February 2025 across the 27 Member States. 25,933 young EU citizens, aged 16-30 years, were interviewed online.

As part of the political guidelines presented by President von der Leyen, the Commission is reinforcing youth engagement through several initiatives. The President’s Youth Advisory Board will provide a platform for young people to contribute directly to EU policymaking. The Commission Youth Check will ensure EU policies consider their impact on young people.

The EU Youth Dialogue — the largest EU-level youth participation platform — is growing. In the past five years, 130 000 young people took part. The EU Youth Stakeholders Group will facilitate structured dialogue between youth organisations, researchers, and policymakers. On 27 and 28 March in Brussels, the EU Youth Stakeholders Group will hold its first meeting, with the participation of Commissioner Micallef.