Recently published in the “Insights into Regional Development” peer-reviewed journal on June 30th, the eSAT project’s first article, titled “Impact of European Youth Strategy awareness and participation in EU activities on youth European citizenship: case studies of Bulgaria, Romania, and Slovakia” offers a comprehensive exploration into how young Europeans perceive their European citizenship and engagement with EU initiatives.
The eSAT project, aiming to enhance youth engagement and empowerment, envisioned producing two scientific articles as part of its dissemination strategy. One article evaluates the intervention impact on young people’s European citizenship in four countries, while the second, the focus of this publication, examines the broader impact on participants from Bulgaria, Romania, and Slovakia.
Conducted between July and December 2023 as part of the eSAT project, the study gathered insights from 533 young individuals aged between 18 and 24, representing Bulgaria, Romania, and Slovakia. The research aimed to explore how awareness of the European Youth Strategy and participation in EU activities shape perceptions of European citizenship among youth in these countries. The study employed a robust methodology, including an online survey with three distinct sections, designed to capture a comprehensive view of participants’ perceptions and experiences.
The article’s findings highlight significant variations in how the European Youth Strategy influences youth citizenship perceptions across different countries. Notably, the effect on youth from Slovakia was the lowest, highlighting a need for more tailored strategies. Interestingly, the study found that neither age nor gender affected European citizenship perceptions, indicating the universal potential of effective youth policies.
The publication of this article not only contributes to academic discourse but also serves as a foundational resource for policymakers and stakeholders invested in youth development. It aligns with the eSAT project’s broader mission to empower young people through informed research and evidence-based interventions. The study underscores the ongoing importance of similar initiatives, which aim to meaningfully engage young people and amplify their awareness of EU opportunities. By bridging gaps in understanding and participation, projects like these contribute to a more united Europe, where youth are empowered to shape their futures actively.
To explore the full article and delve deeper into its insights, you can access the full text for free here.
You can read more about the EU Youth Strategy at: youth.europa.eu/strategy_en.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EACEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
