A recent Eurobarometer Youth Survey reveals that rising prices and the cost of living are the most pressing concerns for young people in the European Union, with 40% of respondents aged 16-30 highlighting this issue. Environmental and climate change challenges are also a priority, with one-third of participants urging the EU to focus on these areas over the next five years. The survey offers insight into the perspectives of Europe’s youth on economic and social issues.
The study shows that 31% of young people want the EU to prioritise the economy and job creation, while 29% are concerned about social protection, welfare, and access to healthcare. Education and training (27%), housing (23%), and defence and security (21%) were also highlighted as key issues. Concerns about European defence are particularly high among young people in Czechia (36%), Poland (33%), and Estonia (32%).
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola stressed the importance of addressing these concerns, warning that failure to do so could lead to disillusionment among the younger generation. “Listening to young Europeans and their concerns is vital for politicians, policy-makers and European democracy,” she said.
Social Media as the Main Source of Information
The survey found that social media is the primary source of information on political and social issues for 42% of young people, surpassing television (39%). The preference for social media is more pronounced among 16-18 year-olds (45%), while 25-30 year-olds are more likely to use TV, online news platforms, and radio. Instagram (47%) and TikTok (39%) are the most popular platforms for news, while X (formerly Twitter) is used by just 21% of respondents.
President Metsola highlighted the need for politicians and social media platforms to combat the spread of disinformation, given the growing influence of social media on young people’s views.
Awareness of Disinformation
Despite relying heavily on social media, young people are aware of the risks of disinformation. The survey revealed that 76% of respondents believe they have been exposed to fake news in the past week. In nine EU countries, more than half of the participants reported frequent exposure to disinformation, with the highest rates in Malta (59%), Hungary (58%), and Greece (57%). However, 70% of respondents expressed confidence in their ability to recognise false information, with young people in Malta and Croatia being the most confident.