Context of the Study
The "Young Europe 2025 Youth Study" is a comprehensive survey conducted by TUI Stiftung, which has been exploring the living environment, identity, and political attitudes of young individuals across Europe since 2017. The latest survey was conducted between April 23 and May 19, 2025, gathering insights from 6,703 respondents aged 16 to 26 from Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Poland, and the United Kingdom. The study aims to better understand the perceptions of young people regarding the European Union (EU) and their political engagement in the context of ongoing global challenges.
Perception of the EU
Young Europeans generally view themselves as part of a broader European identity, with 59% describing themselves as at least partially European. This identification is notably stronger in Germany (68%) compared to countries like France (30%) and Poland (48%). A significant majority (66%) rate their country’s EU membership positively, particularly in Germany (80%). However, while 42% of young Europeans desire stronger EU integration, only 27% believe this will actually occur in the next five years, showcasing a growing gap between aspirations and expectations.
Political Attitudes and Support for Democracy
The study reveals a complex relationship between young people and democratic governance. While 57% express a clear preference for democracy, many are dissatisfied with the current democratic practices in their countries. In France and Poland, dissatisfaction is particularly prominent, with only 12% and 23% respectively feeling satisfied with their democratic systems. Furthermore, 61% of young Germans perceive democracy as being at risk, indicating a widespread concern about the state of democratic governance among young people.
Key Issues Facing Young People
Among the pressing issues identified, immigration and asylum policies top the agenda, with 37% considering it one of the three most important EU topics. Economic and financial policy follows closely behind at 33%, while climate protection remains a significant concern for 28% of respondents. Interestingly, support for climate initiatives has decreased since 2020, particularly among young people in Germany. This reflects a shifting focus towards economic considerations amidst ongoing global challenges.
Polarisation and Political Shifts
The study indicates a rising polarisation among young people regarding political beliefs. Affective polarisation is evident, particularly on issues like immigration, where young individuals identifying with right-wing ideologies display significant scepticism towards more liberal perspectives. This trend is particularly pronounced in countries like Poland and Spain, where the number of young people identifying as right of centre has increased.
Global Engagement and the Role of the EU
Regarding the EU's influence on the global stage, only 42% of young Europeans perceive the EU as a powerful actor, trailing behind the USA and China. However, there is a belief in the EU's potential to play a more significant role if it can address economic growth and strengthen cohesion among member states. Young respondents express a desire for the EU to engage more actively in international organizations and assert its interests more confidently on the global political stage.
Emotional Well-being of Young Europeans
Lastly, the emotional state of young Europeans has remained a mixed picture. While more individuals report a positive emotional state compared to previous years, many believe that the overall mood in their countries is negative. This disparity reflects the challenges young people face in navigating a rapidly changing socio-political landscape, emphasizing the importance of addressing both emotional and political needs in the context of sustainable development.