2025
YouGov Deutschland GmbH and others
The Young Europe 2025: Youth Study presents a comprehensive analysis of the perspectives and sentiments of young Europeans aged 16-26 across seven countries, including Germany, France, and the UK. Conducted by TUI Stiftung in collaboration with YouGov Deutschland GmbH, the study surveyed 6,703 participants between April 23 and May 19, 2025. The findings shed light on the evolving identity, political views, and pressing concerns of this demographic. A significant finding is the strong sense of European identity among young people, with 59% identifying as at least partially European. Notably, 66% view EU membership positively, marking an increase from previous years. However, there is a growing disconnect between the desire for stronger EU integration (42%) and the expectation that it will occur (only 27%). This reflects a nuanced attitude towards the EU, with British youth showing remarkable support for closer ties. The study also highlights increasing political polarization, revealing that while young people are shifting in their political leanings, only 57% firmly prefer democracy over other governance forms. Concerns about democracy’s future are pronounced, with 61% perceiving it as under threat. Additionally, key issues such as migration, climate change, and the cost of living dominate the priorities of young Europeans. Emotional wellbeing remains a mixed bag, with many reporting positive personal emotions yet a negative perception of their national mood, particularly among women who feel less safe than their male counterparts. This study paints a rich and complex picture of the challenges and aspirations faced by European youth today.
Based on the Young Europe 2025: Youth Study document, here are the key insights:
Publication Details
- Publisher: TUI Stiftung
- Year: 2025 (survey conducted April 23 - May 19, 2025)
- Research Partner: YouGov Deutschland GmbH
- Sample: 6,703 young people aged 16-26 across 7 countries (Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Poland, UK)
Key Insights
European Identity & EU Attitudes
- 59% of young Europeans describe themselves as at least partially European
- 66% rate EU membership positively (up from 56% in 2024)
- 42% desire stronger EU integration, but only 27% expect it to happen (growing expectation gap)
- 73% of young Britons would support UK's EU membership
Political Polarization & Democracy
- Young people are shifting both left and right - political polarization is increasing
- Only 57% unequivocally prefer democracy over other forms of government
- 61% see democracy at risk in their countries
- Affective polarization is strongest on immigration (right-wing youth) and climate/equality (left-wing youth)
Key Issues & Concerns
- Migration and asylum dominates EU priorities (37% cite as top 3 issues)
- Immigration skepticism rising: majority now favor limiting rather than expanding immigration
- Climate protection support declining but still prioritized over economic growth (32% vs 23%)
- Cost of living seen as top priority for EU action (38%)
Emotional Wellbeing
- More positive personal emotions than previous year
- Negative perception of national mood in most countries (except Poland)
- Women feel significantly less safe than men, especially at night
- Young people have role models (mainly parents at 42%), but 18% have none
Country Differences
- Germany: Highest EU support (80%), most satisfied with democracy (45%)
- France & Poland: Most EU-skeptical, lowest democratic satisfaction
- UK: Strong support for closer EU relations (75% of youth)
The study reveals a complex picture of European youth: generally pro-EU but increasingly polarized, concerned about democracy's health, and facing significant emotional and safety challenges.
