Security, affordability and a healthy planet top future priorities of young Europeans – survey

Security and affordability is the top priority for the future young Europeans want, followed by a liveable planet and social justice, according to the Next Generations Study 2023 survey by the Allianz Foundation. 71 percent of people aged 18 to 39 in Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland and the UK said security and affordability - which the survey defines to include a strong social safety net, save public spaces and affordable rent - is very important. This was followed by topics like carbon neutrality, low inequality and a fair transition (grouped under a liveable planet and social justice), with 52 percent regarding these priorities as very important. With regards to the environment, in Germany specifically, the majority (54%) of respondent expect the country to become more climate-friendly this decade. Half of respondents from Germany say they have boycotted products with a bad environmental footprint.

"By and large, young adults want to live in a future society that is safe, affordable, eco-friendly and fair. Yet, they feel that the conditions for building that future are under threat," the results' analysis reads. Across the five countries, over two thirds of respondents are at least somewhat sure that the fight against climate change can be won, and 80 percent believe that energy-intensive industries should pay more to fight climate change. The majority of respondents (81%) said they understand why people hesitate to have children "in times like these". The Allianz Foundation surveyed 10,000 young adults, asking them about their visions for a liveable future and what they are doing to help shape it.