Survey: 70% of young people see EU membership as asset in globalized world

EU membership represents an advantage in a globalized world, according to 70% of young people in a survey commissioned by the European Parliament in view of the European Youth Event 2014. The survey was conducted among Europeans aged 16-30 from all member states. It will serve as a source of facts and figures for the 5,000 young people meeting in Strasbourg on 9-11 May as it addresses the event’s five main themes: youth unemployment, digital revolution, future of the EU, sustainability and European values.

Youth and employmentMore than half of respondents feel that in their country young people have been marginalized and excluded from economic and social life by the crisis (57%). More than four in ten young Europeans (43%) said that they would like to work, study or undergo training in another EU country and just over a quarter even feel forced by the crisis to go to another EU country to study or work (26%).

The digital revolution

The digital sector has little appeal as an individual career choice for young people, although they expect it to create a significant number of jobs in the coming years. Young Europeans are divided about the democratic role of social media: 46% believe that they represent progress for democracy, while 41% consider that they pose a risk.

The future of the EU

Seven out of ten young Europeans consider that their country’s membership of the EU is a strength in the context of globalization (70%). Voting in the European elections is the best way to participate in public life in the EU for 44%.

Sustainable development

Many young Europeans have adopted everyday measures to protect the environment, including systematically sorting waste (74%).

European values

Young people believe that the European Parliament should defend human rights (51%), freedom of speech (41%) and gender equality (40%).

To view the full results of the survey, click here.