Youth in Europe Express Growing Disillusionment with Democracy

A recent survey reveals that a significant portion of young Europeans are losing faith in democracy, with the sentiment notably pronounced in countries such as France, Spain, and Poland. Conducted by YouGov for the Tui Foundation, the study sampled over 6,700 individuals aged 16 to 26 across Europe, highlighting a concerning trend regarding political values among the continent's youth.

According to the findings published on July 4, 2025, only 57% of young Europeans prefer democracy over alternative forms of government. Support for democracy is particularly low in Poland at 48%, and in Spain and France, where only about 51-52% of young people expressed favorable views towards democratic governance. In contrast, Germany reported the highest support at 71%. Alarmingly, 21% of respondents indicated a willingness to support authoritarian rule under unspecified circumstances, with Italy showing the highest inclination at 24% and Germany the lowest at 15%. In France, Spain, and Poland, this figure stood at 23%.

The survey also revealed a disconcerting apathy towards democratic governance; nearly 10% of respondents indicated indifference regarding the nature of their government, while 14% either did not know or chose not to answer. Thorsten Faas, a political scientist at Berlin’s Free University and a contributor to the study, emphasized the correlation between economic disadvantage and diminished support for democracy, noting that only one in three individuals who identify as politically right and economically disadvantaged support democratic principles.

The implications of these findings are profound, particularly against the backdrop of rising political polarization across Europe. A majority of young respondents (48%) expressed concern that democracy in their respective countries is under threat, with the figure rising to 61% in Germany, currently facing economic challenges and a surge in far-right sentiments among young voters. The survey highlighted that perceptions of global power dynamics, including the return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency, the rise of China, and Russia's military actions in Ukraine, have influenced European youth's views on their political landscape, with only 42% considering the EU as a leading global power.

Furthermore, the data suggests a shift in political identification among young Europeans. The proportion of those identifying as politically right has risen from 14% in 2021 to 19% in 2025, while centrist and leftist affiliations remain relatively stable. A notable gender divide also emerged, with women in Germany, France, and Italy increasingly identifying as progressive, in contrast to growing conservatism among young men in Poland and Greece.

Support for stricter migration policies has also seen a rise, climbing from 26% in 2021 to 38% in 2025. Nevertheless, many young Europeans remain optimistic about the EU, with two-thirds supporting their country's continued membership, and 47% advocating for stronger EU-UK ties despite Brexit. However, 39% described the EU as lacking in democratic qualities, and only 6% felt their national governments functioned adequately without significant changes.

Elke Hlawatschek, head of the Tui Foundation, remarked on the perception that the EU, despite its historical contributions to peace and economic progress, is seen as cumbersome and overly focused on trivial matters. Young Europeans expressed a desire for the EU to prioritize pressing issues such as the cost of living, defense against external threats, and fostering better economic conditions.

This survey underscores the critical need for policymakers to engage with young citizens, addressing their concerns regarding democracy, economic stability, and the future of the European Union. As this demographic continues to navigate a rapidly changing political landscape, their preferences and beliefs will undoubtedly shape the future of democratic governance in Europe.

In light of these findings, it is essential to consider the broader implications of youth disenchantment with democracy. As political scientists and sociologists analyze this trend, the potential for emerging authoritarian sentiments could pose significant challenges to traditional democratic frameworks in Europe. The urgency for political leaders and institutions to reconnect with the younger generation cannot be overstated, as their active engagement is vital for the health and sustainability of democratic governance in the coming decades.