Voices for Choices – Europe’s next chapter starts with its youngest voices

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As part of Friends of Europe’s ongoing work on a Renewed Social Contract for Europe, our citizen engagement unit, Debating Europe,  continues to explore how the roles and responsibilities of citizens, governments and businesses can evolve to create a more inclusive and effective society. A key element of this work is understanding the expectations and lived experiences of Europeans – particularly those who will shape the continent’s future.

In its latest study, “Voices for Choices”, Debating Europe builds on the outcomes of “2024 Voices: Citizens speak up!” by engaging directly with more than 2,000 young people aged 18 to 35 across Denmark, France, Germany, Italy and Poland. The report provides timely insights into what young Europeans want – from the future and from those in positions of leadership.

What emerges is a generation that’s ready to lead. They may distrust politicians, but they believe in democracy. They’re clear-eyed about the challenges ahead – from climate to security, artificial intelligence (AI) to economic fairness – and they’re determined to have a real say in the decisions shaping their lives.

Their views are diverse and shaped by national context, but a common thread runs through: calls for greater accountability, opportunity and a European Union that is more responsive and transparent.

“Voices for Choices” offers more than a snapshot of youth opinion – it serves as a roadmap for policymakers. Grounded in lived experience and forward-looking aspirations, it offers policymakers timely, evidence-based insights just as the EU prepares its next Multiannual Financial Framework. It sends a clear message: the future of Europe must be shaped with young people, not just for them.

This work will continue in 2025, as the findings are deepened through focus groups and citizen-led events in each of the five countries, paving the way for citizen-led events that bring together young people, policymakers and experts to discuss the results – and co-create the solutions.