Economic stability and security, a fair and friendly society and strong democratic institutions are perceived by young adults in Greece as the cornerstones for a quality life and a prosperous future.
This results, among others, from the Next Generation survey conducted by the Allianz Foundation in Greece, Germany, Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom.
As a general conclusion, young adults in all countries share a deep sense of anxiety about the future: 8 in 10 openly question whether their generation should have children, as they expect societies to become less sustainable in the coming years.
Like participants in other countries, young Greeks are concerned about the future of their country, with 66% pessimistic about it, and showing a lack of trust in the establishment and institutions as a whole.
“Young adults in Greece share common views and beliefs with young people in the other four countries,” commented Dr. Simon Morris-Lange, Head of Research at the Allianz Foundation. “The majority of young people feel that their societies are becoming less equal, less safe and more divided, and they are demanding a say in how these issues are addressed. Almost three in four strongly agree that a strong welfare state and an independent judiciary should be the foundation for future societies, and they place a high priority on strong democratic institutions. Also, young Greeks are worried about fake news and the manipulation of the media, but also about the erosion of the justice system”, he concluded.
What is most important for the future of young Greeks
Young adults in Greece express more emphatic priorities than young adults in the other countries surveyed, focusing on child-friendliness, high-paying job opportunities, and strong economic growth as essential to daily living and economic viability. They also see climate friendliness and low inequality as very important to the future they want to live in.
Lack of trust in democratic institutions and a higher level of social participation
In Greece, young people have a very low level of trust in government and the media, with only a third (as opposed to an average of 45%) believing that their government will take the lead in solving social and environmental issues.
This belief has led many of the young people to participate in protests, more so than in other countries surveyed.
On top of that, 38% show a very high distrust of politicians (compared to an average of 20% across countries) and an impressive 58% are completely convinced that the media promotes and serves their own interests rather than recording and to present the facts.
Also, young Greeks seem to be proactive towards social problems and labor issues, with a higher percentage than their peers in the rest of the countries taking individual actions, such as adjusting the use or consumption of energy, defending labor issues (58% vs. 44% on average) or even choosing or changing their workplace for ethical reasons (37% vs. 22% on average).
Donating money or goods (78%) and boycotting socially and environmentally irresponsible products (54%) are also found more regularly in Greece than in the whole sample (63% and 45%, respectively).
In conclusion, to the question of whether young adults are really the ‘shapers of tomorrow’, the answer is potentially yes, but they cannot change the course of societies on their own. Young adults are demanding that civil society and its public and private funders take their concerns and barriers more seriously than is the case today.
Esra Kücük, CEO of the Allianz Foundation said: “Our research shows that young people in Europe are particularly worried about the future. At least two-thirds of respondents have already changed their daily habits, for example, become more sustainable consumers, and around half are ready to commit even more to a fair and green future. This direction hides huge possibilities! However, many of them are hesitant and simply don’t know how to get involved. And this is exactly where policymakers and civil society come in, who are called upon to restore trust and create pathways that will enhance youth participation.”
Latest News
Vardis Vardinogiannis: ‘On a Ship’s Bridge You Always Look Forward’
Ten milestones in the half century since the creation of Motor Oil Group, as described by Vardis Vardinogiannis, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 91
DBRS Says Greek Banks ‘Shielded’ from ECB Rate Cuts
The agency explains that fund disbursements through the banking sector will help offset pressures anticipated on interest margins beginning in 2025, due to expected rate cuts by the European Central Bank (ECB).
Meta Cuts Facebook and Instagram Subscription Fees by 40%
The social media giant also revealed that it will continue to offer free access to Facebook and Instagram for EU users, provided they agree to see ads based on a limited set of user data.
Skyrocketing Use of Debit, Credit Cards
The total value of the transactions conducted with debit and credit cards in the country in the first half of 2024 rose 2% on the corresponding period of 2023
JP Morgan Revised Greece Outlook to ‘Overweight’
The investment bank notes that Greece is showing the strongest GDP growth in the Eurozone. Additionally, efforts to clear up bank balance sheets are anticipated to yield increased capital returns.
Vardis I. Vardinogiannis, Greek Tycoon and Shipping Magnate, Dies at 91
In 1990, Vardinogiannis was targeted in an attack which involved three rockets fired at his vehicle by the terrorist organization 17 November.
Kudos for Greek Sheep’s Milk Cheeses
Graviera is the Greek version of the Swiss gruyère, and is generally considered the second most popular cheese made in the country after feta
EIB Survey: Greeks Rank Climate Change as Top Concern After Cost of Living
Specifically, 98% of the Greeks surveyed stated that the country must to adapt to climate change, with 60% saying that priority should be given to these adjustment measures
Trump Tells Putin not to Escalate Ukraine War during Phone Convo
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden, is preparing to lobby Trump against abandoning U.S. support for Kyiv
Former Thessaloniki Mayor Yiannis Boutaris Dies at 82
Boutaris entered politics in 2010, serving as the 60th mayor of Thessaloniki for two consecutive terms until 2019, becoming a transformative figure with his progressive policies.