EU Youth Report 2024: Looking at how youth are shaping the future
Last updated on Wednesday, 26/03/2025
The EU Youth Report 2024 is out, and it’s more than a bunch of stats: it’s a snapshot of how young Europeans are thriving, learning, and making their mark.
Released by the European Commission, the EU Youth Report 2024 highlights the progress made between 2022 and 2024 under the EU Youth Strategy, celebrating achievements and tackling the challenges. The message is clear: young people matter, and their voices are shaping Europe’s future!
What the report reveals: More than 70% of young Europeans vote in elections, proving they are interested in shaping their future. But there is a flip side—the turnout in the 2024 European elections decreased compared to 2019. It’s a wake-up call that we need to keep young people engaged and motivated to vote.
Education has come a long way too, but there is still work to do. Around 30% of 15-year-olds in the EU struggle with basic maths, and 28% of 16-29-year-olds lack essential digital skills. Plus, mental health remains a pressing issue, with nearly half of young people reporting emotional or psychosocial challenges in the past year. Unemployment is another tough spot, stuck at around 10%, with vulnerable groups facing even steeper barriers.
A new Eurobarometer survey published today revealed that 38% of young respondents believe the EU should invest more in affordable housing and cost-of-living support, followed by education, training and skills (29%) and mental health and well-being (28%).
Transforming challenges into opportunities. The EU Youth Report goes beyond highlighting problems—it’s a showcase of EU action and initiatives designed to tackle issues head-on and pave the way forward with innovative solutions. Programmes like Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps are giving young people hands-on opportunities to build skills and gain real-world experience. The EU is also doubling down on addressing mental health, education, and employment through initiatives like the Better Internet for Kids Strategy, the Action Plan on Basic Skills and the STEM Education Strategic Plan.
Empowering young voices. The report emphasises the EU’s efforts to empower young people to actively shape the policies that directly affect their lives. Building on the legacy of European Year of Youth 2022, the EU has launched initiatives like the Youth Policy Dialogues, the EU Youth Stakeholders Group and the EU Children’s Participation Platform, and strengthened the long-standing EU Youth Dialogue. More is coming: we look forward to soon presenting the President’s Youth Advisory Board.
Looking ahead: Your voice matters. The European Commission will run a listening process in 2025-2026 to involve young people and those working with and for them in shaping the next EU Youth Strategy beyond 2027.
As Commissioner Glenn Micallef puts it, “Young people are the driving force behind Europe’s future. We are committed to giving every young person the chance to succeed and make their voices heard.”
The future belongs to young Europeans, let’s keep pushing for positive change together!