Eurobarometer survey shows young people's active participation in civic and democratic life ahead of the upcoming European elections
Last updated on Monday, 13/05/2024
In the context of the European elections on 6-9 June 2024 and as a follow-up to the European Year of Youth 2022, a survey on “Youth and Democracy” has been conducted targeting young people, aged 15-30.
Key findings
Awareness about ways to engage with the EU
When young people across the EU are asked how familiar they are with ways to engage with the EU, 46% report to be aware of European elections. About a quarter (24%) are familiar with EU social media channels and websites - i.e. the European Youth Portal.
Making young people’s voice heard
Young people consider voting in local, national or European elections the most effective action for making their voice heard by decision makers - 38% of respondents select this action. In second place comes engaging in social media by expressing their opinions, using hashtags or changing their profile picture etc.(32%).
Intention to vote in the next European elections
More than six in ten (64%) young EU citizens express their intention to vote in the upcoming European elections, while 13% indicate they will not vote – despite being eligible. The highest numbers were observed in in Romania (78%) and Portugal (77%) . In Bulgaria, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta and the Netherlands, more than one in five respondents reply they will not vote despite being eligible (between 21% and 31%).
Participation in societal change actions
About one in two (49%) young Europeans surveyed report having taken action to change society last year, such as signing a petition, participating in a rally, or sending a letter to a politician, in the past year. The overall highest share is observed in Romania (57%), while the lowest ones are found in Cyprus (31%), Luxembourg (33%) and Sweden (34%).