Publication

Young People, EU Citizenship and Activism, Vol. II - EUact Final Report

on 10.12.2019
Report Cover

The 2019 EP elections were an important test for the EU citizens, which they passed. Nonetheless, despite having been the highest in 20 years at the 2019 election, the turnout remains low. Nationalist populism and Euroscepticism are not yet defeated, and Brussels still feels far away, especially for young people. What to do? How to enhance citizens' understanding of the EU, broaden ownership of the European project, and build trust in the EU's promise of a better future for all?

Over the course of the last 14 months, GLOBSEC, in cooperation with Das Progressive Zentrum, Slavyani Foundation, and Higher School of International Relations and Social Communication in Chełm, gathered hopes, fears and recommendations for the EU policymakers from young people from all over Europe. This final report provides reflections on the perceptions of young people related to their attitudes towards the European Union (EU), their understanding of EU citizenship and activism, as well as reflections on the ways to encourage them to be active EU citizens. The qualitative and quantitative data summarised in the report were gathered during the following activities:
1. Focus groups conducted in Bulgaria, Germany, Poland and Slovakia in November 2018
2. Transnational reflection groups that took place in Bratislava in November 2018 and September 2019
3. Public debates focused on the May 2019 European Parliament elections that took place in Berlin, Sofia, Lublin and Bratislava between March-April 2019
4. ‘Get out and vote’ social media campaign conducted in Bulgaria, Germany, Poland and Slovakia between April-May 2019.

The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors and participants, and the Commission cannot be held responsi¬ble for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

The project is financially supported by the Europe for Citizens Programme of the European Union.

Authors

Former Research Fellow, Future of Europe

Authors

Former Research Fellow, Future of Europe