• Note published by:
• Globers

This note consolidates the findings from the UNMUTE project’s first qualitative research phase, which combined national desk research and eight focus groups with youth aged 14–30 across Cyprus, Italy, Lithuania, and Spain.

The cross-national analysis revealed a striking paradox and four consistent, cross-cutting themes:

The Democratic Paradox: Young people across all four nations deeply value democratic principles and possess strong civic motivation. However, they feel systematically sidelined by unresponsive political systems and experience democracy as exclusionary—especially those under 18.

Low Institutional Trust: Youth express a distinct lack of trust in their national political institutions, frequently noting that they are formally consulted or invited into civic spaces but substantively ignored when actual decisions are made.

Structural Barriers: Deep-seated social and economic barriers continue to compound the disadvantages faced by marginalized youth, including migrants, young women, LGBTQI+ individuals, low-income backgrounds, and those living in rural areas.

Deficit in Practical Civic Education: The research highlights a clear gap in education; youth do not just lack theoretical knowledge, but rather a lack of practical, accessible pathways for meaningful democratic engagement.

The EU as a Positive Reference: Despite feeling disconnected from local and national governments, young people view the European Union as a more accessible, positive, and trusted reference point for their future.

Conclusion:
Ultimately, European youth are not waiting for an invitation to care—they are already resilient, motivated, and actively engaging through alternative networks. The core challenge moving forward is not fixing youth apathy, but demanding a genuine shift in how democratic institutions relate to young people, moving past symbolic inclusion toward true responsiveness.

Note published by:
Globers

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