Young Europeans' Faith in Democracy Declines Across Seven Countries

A recent survey conducted by YouGov for the Tui Foundation reveals that only 57% of European youth aged 16-26 support democracy as the best form of government, with the lowest support in Poland at 48% and the highest in Germany at 71%. Around 21% of respondents expressed a willingness to accept authoritarianism under certain conditions, peaking at 24% in Italy and lowest at 15% in Germany. The survey highlights a growing polarization, with nearly one in five identifying as politically right of center and increased support for stricter migration controls. Many young Europeans are concerned about the state of democracy in their countries, with 48% fearing their democratic systems are endangered, including 61% in Germany. The study also notes a shift in global power perceptions, with only 42% seeing the EU as a top global power, influenced by recent geopolitical events such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the return of Donald Trump as U.S. president. The findings indicate democracy is under pressure both domestically and internationally, especially among economically disadvantaged and politically right-leaning youth.