Young Europeans support Democracy and the EU, but call for reform: Survey

A new survey reveals that while young Europeans strongly support democracy, many are deeply concerned about its effectiveness and resilience. According to the ninth TUI Youth Study “Young Europe”, only six percent of 16 to 26-year-olds believe their country’s political system works well and requires no changes.

An overwhelming 57% of respondents say they prefer democracy over other forms of government without reservation. Young people in Germany are the most pro-democracy (71%), while only 48% in Poland share this commitment. Alarmingly, 48% across Europe believe democracy in their country is “at risk,” rising to 61% among young Germans.

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EU seen as a good idea – Poorly Implemented

Although two-thirds of respondents view their country’s EU membership positively, skepticism towards the European Union’s functioning is widespread.

• 51% believe the EU is “a good idea, but very poorly implemented.”
• 39% criticize the EU’s lack of democratic structures.
• Over half (53%) say the EU focuses too much on minor details instead of addressing major challenges.

Geopolitically, confidence in the EU is limited. Only 42% of young Europeans consider the EU one of the top three global political powers, far behind the USA (83%), China (75%), and Russia (57%). Many (51%) think the EU will only gain influence if it undergoes fundamental reform.

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Shifting political attitudes

The study also highlights shifting political attitudes among young Europeans:

• 19% now place themselves to the right of the political center, up from 14% in 2021.
• 32% identify as left of center, while 33% position themselves in the center.
• In Germany, France, and Italy, more young people are moving left of center, with Germany seeing a sharp rise from 32% in 2021 to 43% in 2025.

However, skepticism towards immigration is also rising. In 2021, 26% supported stricter immigration policies; by 2025, this number had climbed to 38%.

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Top priorities for change

Among the fundamental changes young Europeans consider crucial for the EU’s geopolitical relevance, the top priorities are:

• Better conditions for economic growth (35%)
• Greater cohesion between member states (34%)
• More confident representation of EU interests globally (28%)
• Increased defense spending in the future (20%)
• Reducing bureaucracy (13%)

These priorities suggest a vision for an EU that is more economically dynamic, politically united, and assertive on the world stage.

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Call for Political reform across Europe

Many young people want systemic political reform in their own countries:

• 39% believe their country’s system works but needs “some changes.”
• 33% say extensive reforms are required because the system “doesn’t work well.”
• In Germany, 55% think minor reforms are needed, while 24% believe major changes are necessary.

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About the Study

The “Young Europe” study, commissioned by the TUI Foundation, surveyed 6,703 people aged 16 to 26 across Europe. The data was collected by YouGov during April and May 2025. Since its launch in 2017, the study has become a leading barometer of youth sentiment in Europe.

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