European identity and vision for the future:Young people's perceptions in the EU (2025)

Abstract

The study investigates how young Europeans perceive their identity and the future of the European Union, drawing on evidence from three major surveys: the Századvég Europe Project, Young Europe 2025, and Eurobarometer Youth. Focusing on the 15–29 age group, the analysis explores key themes such as European identity, attitudes toward EU membership, perceived added value of the Union, and expectations regarding future challenges. Findings highlight the layered nature of youth identity: national belonging remains the primary reference point, yet European identity becomes more salient, especially in times of crisis. While EU membership is strongly associated with mobility, education, and employment opportunities, critical views persist, particularly with regard to bureaucracy and perceived overreach. Youth outlooks are marked by a tension between optimism and pessimism: although many see the EU’s future as promising, concerns over global challenges - economic instability, migration, and climate change -cast a shadow over longer-term prospects. It concludes that meeting young people’s expectations requires EU policies that combine value-driven commitments with tangible, visible outcomes.

Keywords: youth policy, European identity, youth perceptions, EU membership attitudes, future outlook