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New Eurobarometer survey shows young people's active participation in civic and democratic life ahead of the upcoming European elections
Ahead of the European elections taking place from 6 to 9 June, the Commission has published today a Eurobarometer on Youth and Democracy, revealing early indications of 64% of young people saying they intend to vote. However, while 38% indicated that they think voting is the most effective action to make their voice heard, some 19% said they were not interested in politics and 13% were not interested in voting.
The survey showed that many young people are active and engaged: 64% said that they have participated in the activities of one or more organisations in the past 12 months. In addition, 48% reported that they had taken action to change society through signing a petition, participating in a rally, or sending a letter to a politician. In particular, young people were active on topics relating to human rights (34%), climate change and environment (33%), health and wellbeing (29%) and equal rights regardless of gender, race or sexuality (29%).
Young people felt that the education system has prepared them well for some of the challenges that they face. For example, 73% said their education has equipped them with the necessary digital skills to identify disinformation. 72% said their education has taught them to take care of the environment.
Finally, the survey showed that young people continue to have a European outlook. More than 43% have participated in an activity in another EU country. Typical examples of this includes studying or training (16%), volunteering (12%) or working (12%). Nearly half of the surveyed young people (49%) say that they are aware of the funding opportunities offered by Erasmus+, the EU programme for education, training, youth, and sport. In addition, 67% of young people believe that the EU has an impact, at least to some extent, on their daily life, while 26% say it does not and 7% don't know.
Background
The Flash Eurobarometer survey 545 ‘Youth and Democracy' was carried out between 3 April and 12 April 2024, targeting a representative sample of 26,189 young people aged 15 to 30 in the 27 Member States. The survey was conducted through computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI).