Young Europe 2025 - Youth Study

The "Young Europe 2025" study, published by TUI Stiftung, aims to analyze the perspectives, living conditions, and political attitudes of young individuals aged 16 to 26 across Europe. Conducted in various countries including Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Poland, and the United Kingdom, the study surveyed 6,703 young people online, providing valuable insights into their perceptions of the European Union (EU) and global political dynamics.

The study highlights that a significant portion of young Europeans identify as at least partially European, with 59% expressing this sentiment. Notably, young Germans (68%) and Italians show the strongest identification with Europe. Approximately two-thirds (66%) of the respondents view their country's EU membership positively, with Germany showing the highest approval rate (80%). There is also a desire for closer EU integration, with 42% advocating for stronger connections among EU member states. However, a gap exists between this desire and the expectation that such integration will occur, with only 27% believing it will happen within the next five years.

Among the pressing issues for young people, "Migration and asylum" ranks as the most important concern, followed by "Economy and financial policy" and "Environmental and climate protection." The study indicates that young people are increasingly skeptical about immigration; for instance, the percentage of young Germans wanting to limit immigration has risen from 24% to 37%. Concurrently, young people's interest in climate protection has declined since 2020, though it still remains a priority for many.

The study reveals a growing dissatisfaction with democracy among young Europeans. While 57% still prefer democracy over other forms of governance, many express concerns about the effectiveness of their political systems. Only 39% believe the political system works well overall, and 61% feel that democracy is at risk in their countries. This sentiment is particularly strong in Germany and Greece.

Young Europeans perceive the EU as a less powerful player on the global stage compared to the USA and China. Only 42% consider the EU one of the three most powerful political actors. However, there is a belief that the EU could take on a more significant role if it improves economic conditions and cohesion among member states, with 51% of respondents expressing this view.

In terms of emotional well-being, more young Europeans describe their emotional state positively than in previous years, although the mood of the general population remains negative in most countries. Many young people report feeling safe at home but less so in public spaces, particularly women, who feel significantly more unsafe than men.

The study also explores the concept of role models among young people, indicating that parents are often seen as the primary role models. However, a notable percentage of young individuals in Germany report having no role models at all. In summary, the "Young Europe 2025" study provides a comprehensive snapshot of the attitudes, concerns, and emotional states of young Europeans, highlighting significant trends in identity, political engagement, and social issues. The findings underscore the complexities of youth perspectives in a rapidly changing European landscape.