Young people trust EU institutions more than national ones 

An EU-funded project 'EUYOUPART ' (Political Participation of Young People in Europe) conducted 8,030 face-to-face interviews among Europeans between age of 15 and 25 in eight EU countries. The results show that the majority of young people (63%) are not interested in politics and that young people trust the European institutions more than their respective national institutions.

Young people claimed to be most interested in politics in Germany (51%) and Italy (42%) and least interested in the UK (30%), Estonia (29%) and Slovakia (28%).

Whether or not they follow politics closely, the majority of the interviewees believe in voting as the most effective means of political participation and a comparatively high percentage make use of their right to vote. 

The findings of the project also show that, despite the lack of trust in political parties, many feel close to a specific party but believe that working for an NGO (non-governmental organisation) is more effective than working for a political party. In all eight countries, the results show that young people trust NGOs such as Greenpeace or Amnesty International the most. 

This year, 2005, is the Council of Europe's European Year of Citizenship through Education.