Erasmus is awesome. I did it in 2012 and can recommend it for anyone in college these days. I was barely able to buy groceries while in the project, but it was worth it.
this post was submitted on 04 Apr 2026
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Erasmus is awesome.
This, or any sort of (students) exchange project really. Never did Erasmus myself but I did take a long summer course abroad and later a stage outside the country.
Enjoying the adventure, new cultures & freedom with little cash to spare is part of the experience somehow.
The Situation of Young People in the European Union (2024) โ EU Youth Report Summary
Demographics & Population
- The EU has 73 million young people (15โ29), but their share in the total population declined from 17.6% (2013) to 16.2% (2023).
- The youth population is projected to shrink further, with the proportion of children/young people (0โ19) dropping from 20% (2023) to 18% (2073).
- 7 million young people in the EU were born outside the EU, with Malta reporting the highest share (almost 1 in 3).
Participation & Trust
- Over 70% of young Europeans report voting in recent elections, with the Netherlands and Sweden leading in participation.
- 60% of young people trust the EU, with peaks in Denmark, Luxembourg, and Portugal.
- 1 in 3 young people participate in organized activities, mainly sports (33%). Only 10% engage in environmental/climate organizations.
Employment & Entrepreneurship
- Half of EU youth are active in the labor market, but 1 in 10 are unemployed.
- NEET rate (Not in Employment, Education, or Training): 12%, highest in Romania (19%) and Greece/Italy (~16%).
- 6% of young workers are self-employed, with financial barriers being the main obstacle to entrepreneurship.
Mobility & Education
- 16% of young people have studied/trained in another EU country, but 52% have never participated in cross-border activities, mainly due to financial constraints.
- Erasmus+ is the most recognized EU mobility program (50% awareness).
- 40% of young people have completed tertiary education, but early school leaving remains a concern, especially among young men.
Digital Skills & Green Transition
- 28% of young people have below-basic digital skills, with Bulgaria and Romania reporting the highest rates.
- Climate change is seen as the most serious global issue by young people, with 67% taking personal action to combat it in the past 6 months.
- 75% of young people believe their skills can contribute to the green transition.
Health & Social Inclusion
- Nearly 25% of young people are at risk of poverty/social exclusion, with those in precarious jobs most vulnerable.
- 45% of young people reported emotional/psychosocial problems in the past year, exacerbated by global crises like COVID-19.
Key Challenges & Opportunities
- Youth unemployment, NEET rates, and digital/financial exclusion remain critical issues.
- Mobility, education, and green skills are seen as pathways to improve youth prospects and societal engagement.
In Conclusion, imo:
The majority in this group seem to be doing quite ok, but health and social inclusion seems to be the important themes in this age group considering that:
- 45% of young people reported emotional/psychosocial problems
- Nearly 25% of young people are at risk of poverty/social exclusion, with those in precarious jobs most vulnerable.
Source: European Commission / EACEA, EU Youth Report 2024 & Le Chat AI