A fresh Eurobarometer survey reveals what’s top of mind for young people across the EU, with a particular spotlight on Cyprus. While rising prices and climate change are EU-wide concerns, Cypriot youth demand urgent action on social protection, job creation, and tackling the cost of living.
Social Protection Takes The Lead In Cyprus
The youth in Cyprus, aged 16-30, have spoken loud and clear. They want the EU to prioritize social protection and healthcare, with 37% placing these issues at the top of the agenda. This stands in stark contrast to the broader EU focus, where 40% of young people are most concerned with the rising cost of living.
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However, Cyprus isn’t immune to these economic struggles, with 31% of young people here also highlighting rising prices and job creation as urgent matters. Environmental concerns come third, but only 24% of Cypriot youth believe it should take precedence over social issues.
Social Media Dominates News Consumption
When it comes to staying informed, traditional media takes a backseat. The study found that social media is the go-to platform for political and social news among 44% of young Cypriots, a figure higher than the EU average of 42%. In contrast, TV, which remains the second-most popular source, only reaches 27% in Cyprus.
Platforms like Instagram and YouTube are the main sources of news, with Facebook leading at 52%. TikTok also made an impact, but Twitter (now X) lags far behind, used by just 20% of Cypriot youth. This trend highlights a broader European shift, with Instagram at the forefront, followed by TikTok, especially for younger audiences.
Disinformation: A Growing Concern
While young people rely on social media, they’re also keenly aware of the disinformation risks. In Cyprus, 83% of respondents say they’ve encountered fake news recently, far higher than the 76% EU-wide. Yet, they’re confident in their ability to spot it, with 85% of Cypriots believing they can detect disinformation—a sharp contrast to the 70% in the EU.
The Numbers Behind The Survey
Conducted between 25 September and 3 October 2024, the survey reached 25,863 youth across the EU, with 514 participants from Cyprus. Results were weighted to reflect the demographic breakdown of each country.
As Europe faces mounting challenges, it’s clear that Cypriot youth are looking for solutions that go beyond environmental policies—they’re seeking real, immediate change in social services, economic stability, and information transparency. The spotlight is on EU leaders to heed their voices and take action.
