The European Commission publishes a survey “Eurobarometer” for youth and democracy. The results show that more than six in ten (64%) young EU citizens express their intention to vote in the upcoming European Parliament elections, and 13% say they will not vote even though they are eligible. The remaining respondents fall into the categories of ineligible voters (8%), those who are unsure of their eligibility or intention to vote (9%), and those who prefer not to answer (5%).
In 24 member states, the majority of respondents indicated that they intended to vote in the European elections, with the highest numbers in Romania (78%) and Portugal (77%). The proportion of likely voters was lower in Malta (47%), Latvia (46%) and Luxembourg (41%). In Bulgaria, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta and the Netherlands, one in five respondents said they would not vote even though they were eligible (between 21% and 31%).
According to the survey, 67% of young people believe that the EU has at least some impact on their daily lives, while 26% say it does not and 7% do not know. According to the “Eurobarometer” 64% of young people in the EU have participated in the activities of one or more organizations in the last 12 months. Additionally, 48% reported taking action to change society by signing a petition, participating in a rally, or sending a letter to a politician – mostly on topics related to human rights (34%), climate (33%), health (29%) and equality (29%).
Young people feel that the education system has prepared them well for some of the challenges they face. For example, 73% say their education provided them with the digital skills needed to spot misinformation. 72% say that their education taught them to care for the environment. The survey showed that young people continue to have a European perspective. More than 43% were involved in an activity in another EU country. Typical examples of this are studying or training (16%), volunteering (12%) or working (12%). Almost half of the surveyed young people (49%) state that they are familiar with the funding opportunities offered by the EU program in the field of education, training, youth and sports “Erasmus +“. Furthermore, 67% of young people believe that the EU has an impact, at least to some extent, on their daily lives, while 26% say it does not and 7% do not know.