The 2024 report outlines several interconnected aspects influencing the situation of young people [15-29 yo] in the European Union (EU), encompassing demographics, employment, education, social inclusion, political engagement, environmental activism, and health. These topics are not isolated but are intricately related, with many factors influencing others, creating a complex landscape for policy makers and stakeholders.
#Note 1: Relevance with reference to this recent euronews Post and the many comments, I digged up a recent 2024 comparative study published by EU.
#Note 2: Summary of 90 page publication in the comments (via Le chat AI). Or check the original pub in pdf via the link.
#Note 3: This more elaborate eurofund 2025 study titled, ‘The roots of Europe’s mental health crisis run deep’ , encompasses all big Europen crises since 2009 and their economic & mental health impact. Yes, there is a strong correlation, and there are no simple solutions.
The Situation of Young People in the European Union (2024) – EU Youth Report Summary
Demographics & Population
- The EU has 73 million young people (15–29), but their share in the total population declined from 17.6% (2013) to 16.2% (2023).
- The youth population is projected to shrink further, with the proportion of children/young people (0–19) dropping from 20% (2023) to 18% (2073).
- 7 million young people in the EU were born outside the EU, with Malta reporting the highest share (almost 1 in 3).
Participation & Trust
- Over 70% of young Europeans report voting in recent elections, with the Netherlands and Sweden leading in participation.
- 60% of young people trust the EU, with peaks in Denmark, Luxembourg, and Portugal.
- 1 in 3 young people participate in organized activities, mainly sports (33%). Only 10% engage in environmental/climate organizations.
Employment & Entrepreneurship
- Half of EU youth are active in the labor market, but 1 in 10 are unemployed.
- NEET rate (Not in Employment, Education, or Training): 12%, highest in Romania (19%) and Greece/Italy (~16%).
- 6% of young workers are self-employed, with financial barriers being the main obstacle to entrepreneurship.
Mobility & Education
- 16% of young people have studied/trained in another EU country, but 52% have never participated in cross-border activities, mainly due to financial constraints.
- Erasmus+ is the most recognized EU mobility program (50% awareness).
- 40% of young people have completed tertiary education, but early school leaving remains a concern, especially among young men.
Digital Skills & Green Transition
- 28% of young people have below-basic digital skills, with Bulgaria and Romania reporting the highest rates.
- Climate change is seen as the most serious global issue by young people, with 67% taking personal action to combat it in the past 6 months.
- 75% of young people believe their skills can contribute to the green transition.
Health & Social Inclusion
- Nearly 25% of young people are at risk of poverty/social exclusion, with those in precarious jobs most vulnerable.
- 45% of young people reported emotional/psychosocial problems in the past year, exacerbated by global crises like COVID-19.
Key Challenges & Opportunities
- Youth unemployment, NEET rates, and digital/financial exclusion remain critical issues.
- Mobility, education, and green skills are seen as pathways to improve youth prospects and societal engagement.
In Conclusion, imo:
The majority in this group seem to be doing quite ok, but health and social inclusion seems to be the important themes in this age group considering that:
- 45% of young people reported emotional/psychosocial problems
- Nearly 25% of young people are at risk of poverty/social exclusion, with those in precarious jobs most vulnerable.
Source: European Commission / EACEA, EU Youth Report 2024 & Le Chat AI
25% at the risk of poverty/social exclusion is a terrible, terrible number. 😨
25% at the risk of poverty/social exclusion is a terrible, terrible number.
It really is , and explains to me alot about what’s going on in that age group.
+++, I’m following German politics, and gen Z votes for far right / far left (men / women groups respectively). Plus I’ve heard in a podcast that young Gen Z men are more misogynistic than boomers, which speaks a lot.
Now, if a quarter of young people in one of the most developed regions in the world are at the risk of poverty, it explains a lot… Fear and distrust are rather expected.
I wish as an adult in the EU I could do more.
Edit: typo
Fear and distrust are rather expected (…)I wish as an adult in the EU I could do more.
Spot on imo. And we can start with trying to understand their situation & motives, and take it from ther. I’m seeing the effects with the youngsters and that triggered me to look it up.
#Add. Appreciate your confirmation and input.✌🏻
