As Europe becomes increasingly digital, young people are stepping up as the most active voices in online civic and political life. In 2025, nearly a quarter (24.3%) of Europeans
aged 16 to 29 reported engaging in civic or political issues online—significantly higher than the 20.2% recorded for the general population.
This form of participation ranges from sharing opinions on social issues via social media to taking part in online consultations and even digital voting initiatives. For many young citizens, the internet is not just a space for communication, but a platform for influence and activism.
Where youth engagement is strongest
The level of online civic engagement among young people varies widely across the European Union. Countries like Slovenia (49.4%), Latvia (33.3%), and the Netherlands (31.3%) are leading the way, showing how digital tools can empower youth voices.
On the other end of the spectrum, lower participation rates were observed in Belgium (12.3%), Czechia (14.3%), as well as Sweden and Greece (both at 16.1%). These differences may reflect varying levels of digital literacy, trust in institutions, or access to participatory platforms.
A generational shift in participation
In 23 out of 27 EU countries, young people were more active online in civic and political matters than the general population. The largest generational gaps appeared in Slovenia, Latvia, and Italy—highlighting how younger generations are reshaping democratic participation through digital means.
The rise of online youth civic engagement
Youth civic and political engagement online is more than a statistic—it represents a broader shift in how democracy is practiced. Young people are increasingly:
- Using social media to raise awareness about social and political issues
- Signing and promoting online petitions
- Participating in digital campaigns and grassroots movements
- Engaging in discussions that transcend national borders
This trend reflects a growing preference for flexible, accessible, and immediate forms of participation—especially among digitally native generations.
European Youth Week spotlight
These findings coincide with European Youth Week (24 April – 1 May), an initiative designed to promote youth participation, active citizenship, and democratic engagement across Europe. The data underscores the importance of continuing to support digital spaces where young people can safely and effectively make their voices heard. Photo by Bossdarling101, Wikimedia commons.