EU 'increasingly accepted by the young'

Friday, 28 January 2011 12:00 AM

By Ian Dunt

Young people in Europe tend to be more supportive of decision-making at the European Union level, according to a new survey.

The finding suggests that the EU could become less controversial as time passes, with younger people adopting a more sympathetic stance to the institution.

Research conducted by academics at City University London and the European Policy Centre revealed a distinct difference in the attitudes and values of young people in Europe compared to the rest of the population.

"We expected to see that perspectives across the continent varied on the basis of cultural background or country; instead we found that some of the biggest differences in values existed between different age groups," said expert Eric Harrison.

"The young and well educated are more similar to each other in their outlook right across Europe, whereas the older generations - particularly from less educated backgrounds - retain more nationally distinctive in their views.

"Interestingly there was no one set of overall European values that should govern how the EU operates, but this latest research suggests that as this group grows older they will provide consistent support for decision-making at EU level."

The study follows research by Mr Harrison and the Centre for Comparative Social Surveys which showed young British people in their 20s were more likely to feel discriminated against on the basis of their age, producing a strong 'bonding effect' on the basis of youth.

The study suggests the role of age groups in determining attitudes, values and preferences extends across Europe.

The data, from over 20 countries, showed that young, affluent, well-educated people feel more optimistic than other sections of the European population, have a positive attitude towards EU-level decision-making than older population groups and want welfare services targeted at the sick and elderly.

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