Welcome to the European Parliamentary Research Service podcasts.

As hundreds of millions of Europeans prepare to have their say in the June European elections, we'll turn to the youngest voters.

Stay with us to learn more about the new opportunities for youth engagement that are opening up,

one of the 10 issues to watch in 2024, analyzed by the European

Parliamentary Research Service.

In early June, more than 365 million Europeans in the 27 EU countries will be called to

the ballot box for the 10th European elections.

And this time, it could be a turning point for youth engagement.

After years in decline, participation in the 2019 elections increased for the first time ever,

thanks largely to the engagement of young people via social media and promotional campaigns.

And this time, interest seems to be even higher, with 67% of citizens saying they're likely to vote

in contrast to only 58% before the last elections.

So what's going to be different this time?

Well, first of all, and for the first time, four countries,

Austria, Belgium, Germany and Malta will allow 16-year-olds to vote and Greece 17-year-olds.

This will have an immediate impact on turnout and indirectly a trickle-up effect on parents

who may be more inclined to set an example and boost their children's

civic engagement.

There is also a strong political will from both European Parliament and Commission to engage

with young people and take their concerns and aspirations seriously.

Here's Michaela Del Monte from the European Parliamentary Research Service. Both the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Mezzala, and of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen,

have encouraged young people to take an active role in shaping the European project in different occasions.

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