By Abbas Nazil
An overwhelming concern for the environment and the rising cost of living dominates the minds of young Europeans, according to the latest Eurobarometer Youth Survey published on Monday.
The survey, conducted by Ipsos between 25 September and 3 October 2024 across all 27 EU member states, gathered the opinions of 25,863 young people aged 16-30 through online panels.
The results highlight the pressing challenges facing the youth of Europe, with environmental issues taking center stage.
For one-third of the respondents, the EU’s top priority for the next five years should be addressing environmental and climate change concerns.
As climate crises intensify and the effects of environmental degradation become more apparent, young people are increasingly vocal about their expectations for bold action.
The survey reveals a deep awareness among European youth that climate change is not a distant threat but a present reality requiring immediate and sustained attention from policymakers.
The cost of living, however, remains the most urgent concern for 40 percent of the young respondents. Rising prices and economic instability weigh heavily on their minds, with many emphasizing that tackling these economic pressures should be the EU’s most immediate priority.
Nevertheless, the significant number of young people prioritizing environmental action underscores a shared belief that sustainable economic policies and environmental responsibility are intrinsically linked.
Beyond climate and economic concerns, young Europeans identified social protection, welfare, and access to healthcare as crucial areas for EU attention, with nearly three in ten respondents highlighting these as key priorities.
Additionally, education and training, housing, and the EU’s defence and security emerged as important issues, though to a lesser extent.
Interestingly, European defence is a particular concern among young people in Czechia, Poland, and Estonia, where proximity to geopolitical tensions may heighten awareness of security challenges.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola emphasized the importance of listening to young Europeans, acknowledging their anxieties about the future.
“Young people today are worried about rising prices, climate change, security, and their chances of finding a good job.
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These are concerns that we must address in every decision we take and every law that we pass. Otherwise, we risk losing a generation to disillusionment,” Metsola warned.
The survey also sheds light on how young Europeans engage with political and social issues, revealing a clear shift in information consumption patterns.
Social media is the dominant source of information for 42% of respondents, surpassing television, which came in as the second most popular source at 39 percent.
This trend is even more pronounced among 16-18 year-olds, with 45 percent relying on social media compared to 39% of those aged 25-30.
The younger cohort also places more trust in information from friends, family, and colleagues than their older counterparts.
Instagram and TikTok have emerged as the most-used platforms for obtaining political and social news among young Europeans, with 47 percent turning to Instagram and 39 percent to TikTok. X (formerly Twitter) is less popular, used by only 21 percent of young people for news consumption.
This social media landscape represents both an opportunity and a challenge, as the rapid spread of information online also increases exposure to disinformation and fake news.
A striking 76 percent of young Europeans believe they have encountered disinformation in the past seven days, highlighting a widespread awareness of the risks associated with online information.
In nine EU countries, more than half of respondents reported frequent exposure to disinformation, with the highest proportions in Malta, Hungary, Greece, Luxembourg, and Belgium.
Despite this, 70 percent of participants expressed confidence in their ability to recognize disinformation, with Maltese and Croatian respondents feeling the most assured, while young people in Austria, Germany, and Slovenia were the least confident.
The Eurobarometer Youth Survey provides a detailed snapshot of the political and social landscape as experienced by young Europeans.
These insights will play a critical role in shaping discussions at the upcoming European Youth Event (EYE2025), where thousands of young people from across the EU will gather in Strasbourg from 13-14 June 2025 to debate, exchange ideas, and contribute to Europe’s future.
Registration for EYE2025 is open until 21 February, offering a platform for youth to make their voices heard and drive forward the environmental and economic changes they urgently seek.
As the EU navigates an increasingly complex global landscape, the voices of its young citizens offer a clear and compelling mandate: prioritize environmental sustainability and economic resilience to build a future that is both prosperous and just.
Listening to and acting on these concerns is not just a political necessity; it is a moral imperative for the generations that will inherit the consequences of today’s decisions.
