The European elections, the construction of Europe and how these issues are perceived and dealt with by the younger generations has been the subject of a Vinces-driven studyThe report was presented a few days ago in Madrid by the independent consultancy specialising in Public Affairs. The preparation of the report "European elections from a millennial perspective". has required an analysis of the profile of the Millennial generation, which is highly conditioned by the socio-economic context in which they have grown up and which, of course, has an impact on their political approach.
Among the main characteristics of the study's conclusions are the eminent digital condition of the millennial generation, which makes the Internet their tool of choice for information and political action. It is also "the generation with the highest levels of education in history. Among other things, because many millennials chose to stay in school when they were unable to find a job during the financial crisis.
In addition, according to the report, they are "distrustful". in the face of political promises and tend not to believe in the current party configuration.However, this contrasts with their involvement in civil society. Given that the economic crisis of recent years has had such an impact on young people's job opportunities, this has encouraged them to delay certain social conventions such as getting married or buying a house.
As the report points out, millennials "have grown up taking globalisation and free movement of people in the EU for granted, which makes them instinctively internationalist".. In the same vein, they are pro-European, although many of them are not aware of the rights and guarantees inherent in EU membership". All these circumstances are also behind the high abstention rate among this generation in European elections. Their lack of knowledge of how the European Union works and what the implications of voting or not voting are has generally led them not to go to the polls. As with all issues, there is always a small group of young people who are immersed in political life or have a direct engagement with the EU, keeping themselves informed about key issues such as the phenomenon of the Brexit.
The study includes a section in which it considers it essential for European institutions to approach the priorities that millennials identify as fundamental policies to be developed in the legislature that is now beginning. In this way, it will be possible to ensure that the EU remains connected to this generation. The priorities identified by the consultancy firm are four:
-The combating unemployment and the improvement of working conditions. 78% of young Europeans are concerned about youth unemployment.
-The combating climate change. No less than 77% of millennials believe that the European Union is not doing enough to fight climate change. This generation is calling for a real policy to be put in place that goes beyond mere gestures.
-Management of the migration crisis. Young Europeans consider EU policy in this area to be unsatisfactory, although they are not unanimous in their search for solutions.
-Improvement of the european security and defence. Although controversial, most millennials are in favour of the creation of an EU security force.