The Commission is launching a new online debate on the Citizens Engagement Platform, along with the publication of the 2024 EU Youth Report and the latest Eurobarometer survey on young peoples views. The debate builds on Youth Policy Dialogues held during the Commissions first 100 days, bringing prominent youth-raised themes into an open EU-wide discussion.
This step comes as a new Eurobarometer survey shows 61% of young Europeans are optimistic about the EUs future. Six out of ten (60%) also believe the EU has a positive societal impact. Young people see the EUs key strengths as the freedom to live, study, and work in another EU country (32%), strong relationships and solidarity between Member States (28%), and the EUs commitment to democracy and fundamental values (25%).
In parallel, the Commission also published the EU Youth Report 2024, providing an overview of young peoples lives in the EU and progress under the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027. The report reaffirms the Commissions commitment to ensuring young peoples voices remain central to EU policymaking. It includes pointers for further action to promote youth engagement and opportunities.
New online debate invites young Europeans to shape EU policy
Todays new online debate on the Citizens Engagement Platform will enable more people of all ages to build on the Youth Policy Dialogues exchanges. Launched as an annual initiative, the Youth Policy Dialogues encourage young people to express their views on EU policy initiatives by interacting with Commissioners, integrating youth views into the EUs political agenda. Moving this important debate online now allows more young people to contribute.
Eurobarometer shows youth optimism, but concerns persist
According to the fresh Eurobarometer data, the interviewees identify the most pressing concerns for the future as the cost of living (41%) and peace and global stability (30%), with 31% of young Europeans believing security and defence should be the EUs top priority. 38% also believe the EU should invest more in affordable housing and cost-of-living support.
While almost two-thirds (65%) of young Europeans are satisfied with how democracy works in the EU, more than a third (34%) see false and misleading information as the biggest threat to democracy. 67% of young Europeans would be interested in attending a dialogue with other young Europeans and with EU representatives on matters of interest for the EUs future.
The Eurobarometer also highlighted the importance of online platforms as a key source for youth and information, with social media platforms (42%) being the most commonly used news sources among young Europeans.
2024 Youth Report outlines EU support for young people amid ongoing challenges
The report reinforces the Eurobarometer survey findings, highlighting that nearly 60% of young Europeans have a positive perception of the EU, and over 70% of young Europeans vote.
The report outlines the challenges young Europeans face, while highlighting evolving EU policies aimed at enhancing young peoples lives. Youth unemployment remains a concern at 10%, and while educational attainment is improving, 30% of EU 15-year-olds struggle with basic math, and 28% lack digital skills. Mental health is also a growing challenge, with nearly 50% of young people reporting emotional or psychosocial difficulties in the past year.
The report emphasizes initiatives supporting civic engagement, quality and equity in education and lifelong learning, skills development for better employment, and promoting psychosocial support and healthy lifestyles.
As a next step to the EU Youth Report, the Commission will continue to engage young people and stakeholders in 2025-2026 to shape the next EU Youth Strategy beyond 2027.
Background
The Flash Eurobarometer 556 was conducted between 11 and 20 February 2025 across the 27 Member States. 25,933 young EU citizens, aged 16-30 years, were interviewed online.
As part of the political guidelines presented by President von der Leyen, the Commission is reinforcing youth engagement through several initiatives. The Presidents Youth Advisory Board will provide a platform for young people to contribute directly to EU policymaking. The Commission Youth Check will ensure EU policies consider their impact on young people.
The EU Youth Dialogue — the largest EU-level youth participation platform — is growing. In the past five years, 130,000 young people took part. The EU Youth Stakeholders Group will facilitate structured dialogue between youth organizations, researchers, and policymakers. On 27 and 28 March in Brussels, the EU Youth Stakeholders Group will hold its first meeting, with the participation of Commissioner Micallef.
For More Information
Flash Eurobarometer 556 “Challenges and priorities in the EU: young peoples views”