Euroscepticism and support for right-wing populist parties among young Europeans

Once characterized by progressive values and strong support for the EU integration process, younger generations are increasingly drawn to right-wing populist and Eurosceptic parties. This shift raises questions about the factors driving these changing preferences, especially given the complex social, political, and economic challenges -referred to as the “polycrisis”- that have shaped their socialization. While Millennials were previously seen as relatively pro-European compared to older generations, more recent cohorts seem to diverge from this pattern, potentially embracing more Eurosceptic and anti-elite sentiments. Against this backdrop, this study addresses two key questions: first, whether younger generations are moving towards more Eurosceptic and anti-elite values; and second, the extent to which these attitudes correlate with voting for right-wing populist parties. By analysing data from the European Election Study, we explore the interplay between generational shifts, attitudes towards EU integration, and the appeal of right-wing populism. Our findings aim to provide insights into how contemporary social and political contexts shape the attitudes and voting behaviour of young Europeans.