Myth busted: Climate action is not ideological

The call for ecological transformation in Europe is shared almost equally across the left, centre, and right of the political spectrum.

Youth and young adults imagine futures where cleaner environments and meaningful political participation take precedence, even if that means slower progress or fewer consumer choices.

0%

of young Europeans across five countries want a society that moves beyond today’s overemphasis with economic growth.

Centrists and left-leaning youthRight-leaning youth

52%
39%

want their country to be a global leader in ambitious climate action.

On climate, technology, and trade, clear preferences emerge:

  • On climate, 44% back ambitious international action, while under one-third reject it and 25% remain undecided.
  • 44% favour technological sovereignty through domestic innovation, while only a quarter prefer relying on foreign solutions.
  • Nearly 50% support deeper global trade integration, compared to 28% who favour economic independence.

Overall, nearly half of young Europeans want a future with strong climate leadership, global economic integration, and greater technological independence. Political affiliation matters only moderately.

What divides youth and young adults in Europe?

On several policy questions, young Europeans are split almost evenly:

  • Public infrastructure: 33% favour maintaining what exists, 38% support major restructuring, 29% are undecided.
  • Public security: 37% prioritise safety, 34% individual freedoms, the rest fall in between.
  • Political priorities: 33% favour a long-term focus, 35% short-term, 31% neutral

Remarkably, young people across the left, center, and right of the political spectrum are equally divided on these issues, including within their own political camps. This suggests that their positions are less ideologically fixed and leave greater room for democratic solutions.

Migration remains contentious and ideological: 38% support actively recruiting skilled workers, while 36% prefer restrictions. Left-leaning respondents are only slightly more supportive than right-leaning (41% vs 34%). On cultural identity, 50% on the left and 33% on the right support a pluralist society.

Emilce Giardino /Unsplash

The big picture

Young Europeans are far from uniform in their views, but the desire for ecological transformation cuts across ideological lines. While debates persist on migration, security, and infrastructure, climate action and sustainability offer potential for common ground.

Explore what we found

Forget the myths about Europe’s youth. We asked them how they imagine and shape the future and the answers might surprise you.

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How civil society can mobilize young Europeans for climate action and social justiceDiscover six profiles of young Europeans and learn practical strategies to mobilize them.
Myth busted: Nostalgia for a “better” past isn’t just a Boomer thingDiscover why the ‘OK Boomer’ stereotype doesn’t tell the full story.