What the research reveals
An extensive political survey by ProRata, carried out in November 2025, sheds light on the perceptions and expectations of Greek youth (ages 17–35) regarding Europe, the Left, and political participation. The findings are troubling and revealing.
Young people are facing a condition described as “Blocked Transitions”—a stalled transition into adulthood. Five main problems run through their lives: relentless price hikes, work that doesn’t pay, housing that remains out of reach, a lack of time, and growing isolation.
The numbers speak for themselves:
- 17% work in temporary jobs or without a contract
- 92% believe wages are low
- 65% receive financial help from their family to get by
- 44% say they are only slightly satisfied—or not satisfied at all—with their lives
- Only 31% believe the future will be good
The paradoxical maturation: While these problems force them to become far more mature and cynical than their parents were at the same age, at the same time they cannot actually become adults—no home, no stable job, no future. All the thresholds of adulthood are blocked.
The relationship with Europe has changed dramatically. 61% clearly say “I’m staying in Greece,” despite their pessimistic view of the country. Europe is no longer a dream, but a last resort. Concerns about racism, anti-immigration policies, the risk of war, and alienation have produced a disenchanted Europeanism.
Political awareness remains high, but weary. 75% get informed through social media and news websites. Although young people define politics holistically as “everything,” in practice they rely on classic repertoires of participation: voting, demonstrations, conversations. There is a gap between what they believe and what they do. Worse still, politics is experienced as a burden.
Why the research matters
This research is not simply a set of data points. It is a snapshot of a generation in crisis—not only an economic crisis, but an identity-related and psychosocial one.
Young people are locked into a prolonged “youth without benefits”, where they feel neither like children nor like adults. The fear of remaining in this condition intensifies with the years. Their present appears bleak, their future uncertain, and their dreams are postponed or abandoned.
This Friday, 12/12/2025, we will discuss an urgent issue for Greece: how do we talk about youth when youth has no voice? How do we create hope and possibilities for a generation that the system has left paralyzed?
