Skip to content
Edit post

Over 80% of young Germans fear war in Europe, poll suggests

by Olena Goncharova October 16, 2024 2:06 AM 2 min read
Photo for illustrative purposes. People take selfies in front of the landmark Brandenburg Gate illuminated in the colors of the Ukrainian flag in Berlin, Germany on May 9, 2022, to show solidarity with Ukraine amid the ongoing Russian invasion. (John Macdougall /AFP via Getty Images)
This audio is created with AI assistance

Ongoing wars, the worsening effects of climate change, and increasing political polarization are major concerns for young people in Germany, according to the latest Shell Youth Study.

The 2024 edition, titled "Pragmatism Between Disillusionment and Embracing Diversity," surveyed 2,509 adolescents aged 12 to 25 about their views on politics, society, and the environment.

In the wake of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, 81% of young respondents expressed concern about the possibility of war in Europe, a sharp rise from 46% in 2019. The fear of poverty also increased, with 67% citing it as a concern, compared to 52% in 2019.

The ongoing conflicts, including Russia's war in Ukraine and the recent Hamas attack on Israel, have shifted perspectives. According to the study, 69% of young people aged 15 to 25 support a strong NATO presence, with only 6% opposed. These opinions show little variation between youths in former East and West Germany.

"Young people have realized that world politics is not somewhere out there, it cannot be avoided any longer," said Mathias Albert, political scientist at the University of Bielefeld and one of the study’s authors, Deutsche Welle (DW) reported.

Regarding Russia's aggression, 60% of 15 to 25-year-olds agreed that "Russia attacked Ukraine and must be punished for it," while only 13% disagreed. However, opinions on military support for Ukraine are divided: 50% want Germany to provide military aid, while 24% reject it, with noticeable differences between East and West Germany.

Scholz unveils $1.5 billion allied aid package during meeting with Zelensky
During a joint press conference, Scholz revealed that Germany has already delivered a package of aid for Ukraine worth 600 million euros ($660 million).

News Feed

6:57 PM

Russia hands over bodies of its own soldiers in recent exchange, Kyiv says.

"This could have been done by the Russians on purpose to increase the number of bodies transferred and to load our (forensic) experts with work, adding to all this cynical information pressure. Or it could be their usual negligent attitude toward their own people. In any case, we also identify these bodies," Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said.
7:09 AM

EU leaders call for tougher sanctions on Russia at G7 summit.

"To achieve peaceful strength we must put more pressure on Russia to secure a real ceasefire, to bring Russia to the negotiating table, and to end this war. Sanctions are critical to that end," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.
MORE NEWS

Editors' Picks

Enter your email to subscribe
Please, enter correct email address
Subscribe
* indicates required
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required

Subscribe

* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Explaining Ukraine with Kate Tsurkan
* indicates required
Successfuly subscribed
Thank you for signing up for this newsletter. We’ve sent you a confirmation email.