In March 2024, the European Parliament adopted the AI Act, the world’s first comprehensive legislation on artificial intelligence. It classifies AI systems by risk level: minimal risk (such as spam filters), high risk (AI used in recruitment or education), and unacceptable risk (like predictive policing or social scoring).
For young Europeans, this matters directly. Universities use AI to check plagiarism, companies use it to filter CVs, and governments are experimenting with AI in public services. Rules that guarantee transparency and fairness are essential to prevent discrimination or exclusion.
AI in daily life
Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, or Midjourney are now common in classrooms and workplaces. A 2023 survey by the European Youth Forum found that more than 60 percent of young people had used AI in their studies. Many saw clear benefits for productivity, but others worried about losing critical thinking skills if they relied too heavily on these tools. In the labour market, AI is creating new jobs in data science, ethics, and AI engineering. At the same time, it threatens routine and entry-level jobs, where many young people are employed. The International Labour Organization has warned that youth are particularly vulnerable to this shift.
The problem of bias
AI systems reflect the data they are trained on. If the data is biased, the output will be biased too. A 2022 MIT study showed that image-recognition tools were less accurate for women and people with darker skin tones. In Europe, this raises serious questions about fairness and equality. Groups like AlgorithmWatch and youth projects such as AI for Good are pushing for greater accountability. Including young voices in these debates is essential, since this generation will live longest with the consequences of today’s choices.
Building AI literacy
Just as digital and media literacy became essential in the last decade, AI literacy is quickly becoming a priority. This does not mean every student must learn to code. It means understanding what AI can and cannot do, questioning results, and recognising when outputs might be misleading. The European Commission has already launched pilot programmes to introduce AI literacy in schools. Youth organisations are also creating workshops to help peers understand and use AI responsibly. These initiatives are vital to avoid a growing gap between those who can use AI critically and those who cannot.
A generation at the centre
For young people in Europe, AI is more than a technical tool. It is a social and political issue that touches education, work, ethics, and democracy. Youth must not only adapt to AI but also play an active role in shaping its development and regulation. AI has the potential to improve learning, fight climate change, and transform healthcare. But it also risks creating new inequalities if left unchecked. The challenge is to use AI in ways that are transparent, fair, and inclusive.
AI is already influencing how young people study, find work, and participate in society. Europe is taking the lead with the AI Act, but regulation is not enough. Youth need to be equipped with AI literacy and included in decision-making. The future of AI in Europe will depend on how this generation balances innovation with responsibility.