Rising prices and the cost of living are a concern for 40% of the 16-30 year-olds who took part in the latest Eurobarometer Youth Survey published today. “One third of respondents said they believed the EU should focus its attention on the environment and climate change over the next five years, while 31% believe the economic situation and job creation should be a priority”. The Eurobarometer survey looks into the world of European youth, focusing on different aspects of everyday life, the concerns of young people, as well as their relationship with social media, the environment, and health. For example, we see that “almost three in ten (29%) want the EU to prioritise social protection, welfare and access to healthcare”. More than one in five respondents highlighted education and training (27%), housing (23%) and the EU’s defence and security (21%) as important priorities for the EU. European defence is of particular concern for young people in Czechia (36%), Poland (33%), and Estonia (32%), that is to say, those countries closest to Russia and Ukraine. Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parliament (that sponsored the survey), said: “Listening to young Europeans and their concerns is vital for politicians, policy-makers and European democracy. Young people today are worried about rising prices, climate change, security and their chances of finding a good job. These are concerns that we must address in every decision we take and every law that we pass. Otherwise, we risk losing a generation to disillusionment”.