Young people in Europe support more integration and political participation

What this study is about

According to the Young Europe 2019 study, “asylum and migration”, “environmental protection” and “economic policies” are the top priorities for young European living in 11 EU Member State countries. New generations consider that they are better represented in national Parliaments than in the EU legislative body. Nevertheless, at least 60 per cent of surveyed citizens would vote for “remain” in a hypothetical referendum about leaving the Union. At the same time, it appears that in countries such as France, Spain and Italy support for EU membership declined compared to the levels of 2018. The share of young people with a European identity is highest in Spain, Greece and Italy.

Why we like it

By focusing on a specific age cohort, the TUI report draws an exhaustive picture of the identity, political views, fears and aspirations of new generations across Europe. As such, the analysis is unique in its kind and would deserve much attention from political leaders, not to speak civil society at large. The report highlights that young people feel more European than the general population. Remarkably, this holds true also for countries that, over the past few years, have made the headlines for the rise of eurosceptic forces and governing coalitions, such as Italy.