| The 2024 EU Youth Report is out, offering a deep dive into the lives, concerns, and aspirations of young people across the EU. As part of the EU Youth Strategy (2019–2027), this report isn’t just a data dump – it’s a mirror reflecting what matters most to the next generation, and where public policy, civil society, and institutions still need to catch up. Young people are politically active albeit facing unemployment and social exclusion challenges According to the report, over 70% of young people vote in elections and many express trust in the EU although the participation rate decreased in comparison to the 2019 elections. Young people participate to a high degree in organised activities, such as volunteering and are vocal about the environment and climate change, which they see as the most urgent global threat. However, 10% of young people are unemployed and nearly a quarter of EU’s young people are at risk of poverty and social exclusion. Mental health: Still a silent emergency Nearly 1 in 2 young Europeans report emotional or psychosocial difficulties due to pressures of unemployment, lower education and social exclusion. Despite growing awareness, mental health support often remains underfunded and under-accessible – especially in rural or underserved areas. Education and skills: Mind the gaps Educational attainment is up, but worrying gaps persist: – 30% of 15-year-olds struggle with basic maths – 28% lack adequate digital skills in a world that increasingly demands them The divide is even sharper for youth in rural or remote regions, where access to high-quality education and employment opportunities remains limited. Youth policy: A work in progress The EU Youth Strategy is moving the needle in many areas: democratic participation, mobility, and volunteering are on the rise. But big gaps remain in key everyday concerns like housing, mental health, cost of living, and the digital transition. A promising new development? The “Youth Check”, a tool in the works to assess the impact of EU policies on young people. If implemented meaningfully, it could help youth perspectives shape decisions across the board. What does this mean for civil society and young people? The Commission is committed to further developing policies and initiatives to address the pressing challenges facing young people. It will do this by working with Member States, civil society, and young people themselves, and by building on the progress achieved under the EU Youth Strategy. Civil society organisations should use this opportunity to advocate for youth-centered reforms, especially in mental health and education, create real, ongoing spaces for young people to co-design programmes and policies while focusing on vulnerable youth: those in remote areas, with fewer opportunities, or facing intersecting challenges. The Strategy encourages young people to engage through EU Youth Dialogue, EU Children’s Participation Platform, Better Internet for Kids Strategy, etc. Youth Guarantee, Youth4Regions and Interreg Volunteer Youth are some initiatives that facilitate skills development for young people while Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps remain key enablers of the EU Youth Strategy by supporting learning mobility, exchanges, and volunteering. A spotlight on EU macro-regions From the Alps to the Balkans and the Baltic, the report highlights regional inequalities that deserve urgent attention. EU macro-regional strategies should improve infrastructure (education, broadband, jobs) in under-served areas, tailor youth programmes to local realities and encourage cross-border cooperation. Final takeaway The 2024 EU Youth Report paints a mixed picture: young people are resilient, active, and values-driven – but still face uneven opportunities and systemic challenges. The message to civil society, governments, and institutions is clear: Don’t just talk about youth—build with them, invest in them, and listen to them. Their future is the EU’s future. Let’s get it right. |
