A generation ready to act is a tremendous resource for civil society to tap into.
0%
of young people are increasingly acting together to help shape the society they want to see.
Myth busted: Gen Z isn’t lazy but actively shaping society
For years, Generation Z has been branded as apathetic - a generation more interested in scrolling than shaping society. But the numbers tell a different story.
Civic engagement among Europe’s youth is not only strong but also growing. From voting and ethical consumer choices to online activism and street protests, young Europeans are stepping up to influence the future they want.
The latest Next Generations Study shows a surge in participation, challenging stereotypes and revealing a generation deeply invested in democracy and social change.
“"Compared to two years ago, when we conducted this research first, participation in citizens’ initiatives has increased. Human rights and environmental issues in particular spark young people to take action. We also see a rise in protests.”"
— Dr. James Edwards, Co-Author and Senior Researcher at SINUS-Institut
Issues that spark young civic action
What drives young Europeans to act? The priorities below reflect a generation deeply concerned with fairness, sustainability, and democratic values.
0 %
human rights
0 %
education
0 %
climate
0 %
peace
0 %
civil rights
Individual engagement: Voting and everyday politics
Voting remains the cornerstone of civic life. Three in four young Europeans (75%) have cast a ballot in recent years, ranging from 67% in France to 83% in Poland. Beyond the polling booth, political expression is part of daily life:
0%
discuss politics - even in uncomfortable settings
0%
sign petitions
Civic action goes digital
Online activism has surged since 2023. In 2025:
- 51% shared political posts on social media
- Nearly 40% create their own political content or join online campaigns
This marks a significant rise from 2023, when only 33% (Germany) and 47% (Poland) reported sharing political views online. Today, politics is as much about being present in a digital feed as in a public square.
Civic action through consumer choices
Left-leaning youthRight-leaning youth
50%
32%
boycott products and services.
Young Europeans also express their values through consumption:
- 65% have changed their habits for political or ethical reasons
- 59% donate to causes they deeply care about
- Product boycotts are common in France (45%), less so in Italy and Spain
Climate change is a major driver, especially among progressive youth.
Protest participation shows no gender gap, but clear political differences. 20% of those focused on democracy and human rights took to the streets during the past 12 months. 11% of those advocating for the preservation of traditional or religious values did so.
Collective engagement: From streets to schools and workplaces
Collective action is growing. Street protest participation rose between 2023 and 2025.
20232025
26%
43%
of young people in Italy joined a protest
31%
36%
of young people in Germany joined a protest
31%
34%
of young people in Poland joined a protest
Other forms of collective action remain lower:
0%
have joined a citizens’ initiative
0%
have worked or volunteered with an NGO or social enterprise
0%
support political parties or movements
Schools and workplaces are important civic spaces:
0%
of youth and young adults have stood up for an issue at school or work
0%
have chosen their employer based on ethics
A generation ready to act
Individual actions such as voting, ethical consumption and signing petitions remain the most common, exceeding 50% in all countries. Collective modes like protesting or joining movements hover around 30 to 40%, and are showing signs of growth.
For civil society and policymakers, this is a call to action: support young engagement, amplify their voices, and create spaces where their energy can drive real change.
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.
