Future of Europe and European Identity: The views of Italian adolescents and young adults

Europe is facing social and political challenges that may weaken the unity and identity of the European Union (EU). Based on the assumption that youth have a critical role in shaping the future of the EU, we investigated visions about the future of the EU in youth living in Italy, and their engagement as European citizens. Furthermore, we explored young people’s identification with the EU and their efficacy beliefs about being influential for EU policies as possible elements to promote their civic engagement. Participants were 545 adolescents and 222 young adults who answered the project Europe 2038 survey in Italy. Youth’s main worries were terrorism and violence, unemployment, and poverty. Education and human rights were identified as top priorities for the future policies of the EU. Expectations and fears about the future of Europe were similar among adolescents and adults, but young adults identified with being European and EU values more than adolescents. Higher engagement was associated with higher identification with the EU, feeling knowledgeable and competent about the EU and believing that youth can be influential on the EU policies. These results suggest relevant recommendations for European policies for youth.