Fear among Europe’s youth is growing steadily that – while war continues to rage in Ukraine – the conflict could spread further across the continent over the next five years. A survey that interviewed 7,367 young Europeans between the ages of 18 and 38 from France, Germany, the UK, Italy, Spain, Poland and Romania says that over two thirds of these young people are afraid of war, while over 60% of respondents across all countries think EU countries should increase military spending. The results of the survey are contained in a report entitled Builders of Progress: Europe’s NextGen “The Ukraine War Through the Eyes of Youth”, written by ThinkYoung and the Foundation for european progressive studies (Feps).
50% in favor of the creation of a European army
In this context it also emerges that about 50% support the creation of a European army. While the majority of respondents are against military intervention in Ukraine, there is a significant minority (44%) who would welcome intervention, even if there is a greater risk of a nuclear conflict with Russia. As European leaders continue to discuss further sanctions and a potential embargo on energy imports from Russia, more than three-quarters of respondents say they are in favor of a regime of strong sanctions against Moscow, while two-thirds would like a faster transition to energy. renewables in order to reduce energy dependence on non-European countries. In Italy this percentage is 70%.
European army, young Italians against it
A majority of young Italians (54%) are in favor of empowering the EU with regards to foreign policy, but are more cautious than their peers in other countries regarding the creation of a European army, with the majority of respondents declares against it. Young Italians consider the fight against poverty and the protection of the environment as priority issues for the EU. Other findings from the report include: 78% of young Italians believe Italy should welcome thousands of Ukrainian refugees; 74.5% would like an increase in financial aid to support the entry and stay of Ukrainian refugees in Europe. Finally, 70% of young Italians are in favor of a reduction in the use of fossil fuels in the EU. Strengthening environmental protection is the second priority for young Italians, after the fight against poverty and economic inequalities.
Andor (Feps): young people ready to welcome refugees
László Andor, secretary general of the Foundation of European Progressives Studies, think tank of the European political family of progressives, comments: “While Ukrainian resistance to the Russian invasion continues and the outcome of the war remains uncertain, the lives of millions of Ukrainians have been shaken permanently. Our report explores the views of young European citizens who have not experienced the war directly, revealing the strong fear that the conflict could spread to the rest of Europe. The report also shows that young Europeans want the EU to provide significant humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine and that a large part of the European youth population is ready to welcome and support refugees from the conflict region ”.
Gerosa (ThinkYoung): young people want a stronger EU
Andrea Gerosa, Founder of ThinkYoung – the first think tank with a focus on young people and their issues, founded in 2009 with offices in Brussels, Geneva, Nairobi and Hong Kong which has reached over 800,000 young people through his research and initiatives – has added: «The war in Ukraine is a tragedy of immense proportions. Our report reveals that young people are sensitive to the threat this war poses to their values, and shows their expectations for an adequate response from their governments. They want an EU capable of playing a stronger role on the world scene. We hope that European leaders will take the initiative and achieve results in line with the ambitions of young Europeans ».