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.✌🏻

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.

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