CNG

Young people: confidence is falling, but attitudes towards the EU remain stable

The Confidence Index compiled by the Piepoli Institute for the National Youth Council shows the sharpest decline among 18- to 24-year-olds (56.5 per cent), whilst young adults aged 25 to 34 fare better (60.5 per cent)

by Pietro Menzani

23 June 2026

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3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Consumer confidence young people is on the decline: in 2026 it stands at 58.5 per cent, a sharp decline compared with the peaks of 2024 (69.2 per cent in March 2024). The sharpest decline was recorded among 18- to 24-year-olds (56.5), whilst the 25- to 34-year-old age group held up better (60.5). The younger generations, however, view the European Union, new technologies and sporting activities favourably.

This was revealed in the tenth edition of the Youth Confidence Index, a study carried out by the Piepoli Institute on behalf of the National Youth Council. The findings were presented at the Youth Summer Camp 2026, the CNG’s annual event, which this year took place in Silvi Marina, in the province of Teramo, from 19 to 21 June.

Confidence in the EU

An analysis by the Piepoli Institute shows that, despite an overall decline in confidence amongst the younger generations, support for the European Union remains strong: indeed, the level of support amongst young Italians for the European Union remains stable at 63 per cent.

According to Edoardo Italia, president of the CNG, ‘the data from the Piepoli Institute provide us with a realistic snapshot that contains important elements from which to move forward. The fact that the majority of young people retain positive feelings and see Europe as a point of reference for themselves shows us that the younger generations are not resigned to the status quo, but are ready to steer change.”

The Future and New Technologies

Despite the numerous concerns that characterise young people’s outlook on the future – such as, for example, those relating to barriers to independent living (only 20% consider house prices in their own cities to be affordable), the need for family support to complete their studies (75%) and the gradual decline in confidence in the school and university system, which fell from 90 per cent in 2024 to 51 per cent in 2026 – the Piepoli Institute’s study also reveals signs of macroeconomic optimism: short-term confidence (6 months) in their own socio-economic situation remains positive.

Progress in the digital sphere is also viewed favourably by the younger generations: only 15% have a negative opinion regarding the impact of new technologies. Young people also believe that sport plays an essential role, remaining a fundamental pillar of physical wellbeing (considered crucial by 87% of the sample) and psychological wellbeing (79%).

“This situation,” continues Italia, “encourages us to work with even greater determination alongside the institutions: the call for contractual stability and affordable housing policies stems from young people’s genuine desire to invest in their own future. We are ready to play our part in helping to turn these expectations into structural reforms.”

Women’s empowerment

During the 2026 Youth Summer Camp, a partnership was also launched between CNG and the OGID Observatory (Observatory on Gender, Inclusion and Democracy) at Luiss Guido Carli University, headed by Professor Emiliana De Blasio. The aim is to collaborate on research into women’s empowerment.

The initiative – which draws on the international principles of UN Women and UN Security Council Resolution 1325 – aims to identify practical solutions to tackle gender inequalities and the barriers that limit young women’s access to decision-making processes.

The National Youth Council has chosen to focus its attention on the voluntary sector and the world of young people. The aim is not only to identify key challenges, but also to develop practical tools and best practices that individual associations within the CNG network can adopt to promote women’s leadership.