2024
TUI Stiftung and YouGov Deutschland GmbH
The "Young Europe 2024" study, conducted by TUI Stiftung in partnership with YouGov Deutschland GmbH, presents a comprehensive analysis of the perspectives held by young Europeans aged 16 to 26 on pressing socio-political issues. Surveying 5,874 participants from Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Poland between March 6 and March 19, 2024, the research aims to understand the living environment, identity, and political attitudes of the youth, particularly in light of the upcoming EU elections. The findings reveal a generally pessimistic outlook among young Europeans regarding their future, with 34% expressing negative views influenced by ongoing global crises. Migration has emerged as a primary concern, surpassing climate change. While dissatisfaction with democracy is prevalent, many young people still exhibit a relatively high level of trust in EU institutions, appreciating the benefits of European unity while recognizing the EU's diminished global influence compared to powers like the USA and China. Moreover, the study highlights significant societal tensions perceived by young Europeans, particularly between diverse political ideologies. While these individuals feel underrepresented compared to older generations, they remain committed to democratic engagement, viewing voting as a civic duty. The insights from this study underscore the complex interplay of hope and disillusionment among Europe’s younger generation as they navigate their roles within the democratic landscape. This annual study, which began in 2017, provides a crucial perspective on the evolving attitudes of young Europeans, especially as they prepare for significant political events and confront the challenges of their time. The 2024 edition notably excludes UK participants to maintain focus on EU-related issues.
The "Young Europe 2024" study, conducted by the TUI Stiftung and YouGov Deutschland GmbH, explores the perspectives of young Europeans aged 16 to 26 on various socio-political issues. The study surveyed 5,874 participants from Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Poland between March 6 and March 19, 2024. The research aims to understand the living environment, identity, and political attitudes of young people across Europe, particularly in the context of the EU elections.
Key Findings
Future Outlook and Democracy The study reveals a generally pessimistic outlook among young Europeans regarding their future. Approximately 34% express a negative view of their prospects, influenced by ongoing global and national crises. Migration has emerged as the most pressing issue at the European level, overtaking climate change. At the national level, societal tensions are perceived as high, especially between political left and right factions. Many young people are dissatisfied with democracy in their countries; almost half observe anti-democratic behavior, and around two in five consider democracy at risk.
European Union Perception Despite dissatisfaction with national politics, young Europeans display a relatively high level of trust in EU institutions. They value the EU's achievements such as freedom of travel and core European values like democracy and human rights. However, there is a perception that the EU lacks global influence compared to other powers like the USA and China. While many young Europeans support stronger integration between member states, enthusiasm for deeper integration has slightly declined since 2019.
Political Engagement and Identity Young Europeans show varied political orientations and do not fit neatly into traditional left-right or progressive-conservative categories. They value democratic engagement but feel underrepresented compared to older generations. Trust in national political institutions is low, with only about one-third expressing trust in EU institutions. Despite this trust deficit, young people consider voting a civic duty and an effective means of enacting change.
Societal Tensions and Political Participation The survey highlights significant societal tensions perceived by young Europeans, particularly between different political ideologies and social groups. Young people are increasingly confident in their ability to engage politically and uphold democratic values. However, they often feel disadvantaged compared to older generations and are receptive to populist arguments due to perceived underrepresentation.
Context
The "Young Europe" study has been conducted annually since 2017 by TUI Stiftung to gauge the attitudes of young Europeans towards their environment and political systems. The 2024 edition omits UK participants due to the focus on EU elections. The study's methodology involves online surveys with representative sampling based on age, gender, and education across the participating countries.
Authors
The study was carried out by TUI Stiftung in collaboration with YouGov Deutschland GmbH. TUI Stiftung is a charitable foundation based in Hannover that promotes projects aimed at strengthening European unity through education and development initiatives.
This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the perspectives of Europe's younger generation on critical issues affecting their lives and future within the European Union.