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Democracy under pressure

A recent study surveyed 6,768 young people from seven countries: the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Poland. The polls were conducted this spring, in April and May. On average, 57% of participants said they prefer democracy as their system of government. In Germany, that figure was much higher – 71% – showing strong trust in democratic values.

In Poland, Spain, and France, the results were noticeably lower. Only 48% of young Poles supported democracy, 52% in France, and 51% in Spain. At the same time, more young people are becoming open to alternative ways of running a country. As many as 21% of all respondents said they could accept an authoritarian government under certain – unspecified – conditions. In Poland, this figure was even higher, at 23%, placing the country among the top three alongside France and Spain.

One in ten young Europeans admitted they don’t really care what political system their country has. Another 14% couldn’t decide either way.

“Democracy is under pressure today, both from within and from outside,” warns Professor Thorsten Faas, a political scientist from the Free University of Berlin and co-author of the report. He points out that what’s especially worrying is that among young right-leaning people who feel economically left behind, support for democracy falls to just one third.

Growing Worries About the Future

Almost half of young Europeans are worried about the future of democracy. In Poland, 48% expressed concern about where democracy is heading, and in Germany, that figure was as high as 61%. That’s a significant shift, considering Germany was recently seen as a symbol of stability.

A similar level of anxiety was recorded in Spain and France, countries facing social tensions, economic problems, and a rise in populist attitudes.

When asked which countries and organisations have the biggest influence on the world today, young Europeans most often pointed to the United States (83%), China (75%), and Russia (57%). The European Union came only fourth – just 42% saw it as a key player. Interestingly, in the UK – even after Brexit – half of young people still consider the EU an important global force, and 73% would like Britain to rejoin.

Despite growing criticism, two-thirds of young Europeans want their countries to remain in the EU. Almost half (47%) also support closer cooperation between the EU and the UK

Democracy in Europe/ Photo: Canva

Democracy in Europe/ Photo: Canva

Polarization and a Conservative Shift

The study shows political polarisation among young Europeans is getting stronger. Back in 2021, 14% identified as right-wing – now it’s 19%. The biggest group are centrists (33%), followed by the left (32%). About 16% don’t associate with any political side.

There’s also a clear gender gap. In Germany, France, and Italy, young women tend to choose more progressive options. Meanwhile, young men in Poland and Greece are increasingly leaning towards conservative views – something that used to be typical mostly of older generations.

Support for stricter migration policies is also growing. Over the last four years, it jumped from 26% to 38%.

Even though most respondents still back EU membership, 53% believe Brussels focuses too much on unimportant issues, and 39% see the EU as undemocratic. Only 6% think their own national governments are working well and don’t need any reforms. Skepticism is especially strong in Greece, where memories of the debt crisis and the tough reforms imposed by European lenders are still fresh.

According to those surveyed, the EU should focus mainly on three big priorities: reducing the cost of living, strengthening external defence, and supporting business and entrepreneurship.

Climate losing ground

Although concern for the environment still features in what young Europeans say, more and more of them are putting economic interests first. Only about one in three said fighting climate change should be a priority over economic growth. That’s an 11-point drop compared to 2021.

“The European project, which for decades brought peace, freedom of movement, and dynamic growth, is now seen by many young people as too bureaucratic and ineffective,” sums up Elke Hlawatschek, director of the TUI Foundation.

The results of this study clearly show that young Poles – even more than their peers in other countries – are losing faith in democracy and EU institutions. This is not just a warning for politicians but a call to society as a whole. Rebuilding trust among young people who are just entering adulthood should be a top priority in public debate – if Europe wants to avoid a future marked by apathy, disappointment, and a shift towards authoritarianism.

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