Institute of Philosophy and Sociology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences

Background: In the context of an increased focus from the European Commission on the next generation and intergenerational solidarity, the Make it Strong pillar focuses on two areas. First, the double transitions of young people – from school to work and from youth to adulthood – and, second, generational experience of fairness and solidarity. This theme – and this report – therefore investigates young people’s education, employment, family formation as well as intergenerational solidarity and participation in democracy.

Aim: This report provides a snapshot of the state of affairs of the theme “Strong Europe” and demonstrates to all users the potential of organising data from multiple surveys. It aims to provide evidence for NextGenerationEU initiatives by analysing data broken down by age groups, and by country (or group of countries). The report also considers differences within younger respondents when it comes to levels of education, gender, and rural-urban division.

Data: The report relies on data from three major cross-national surveys: the European Social Survey (ESS), Generations and Gender Survey (GGS) and International Social Survey Programme (ISSP). Questions from these projects that focus on education, employment, family, intergenerational solidarity and fairness, and democracy have been selected for inclusion.

Results: The findings show that perceptions of fairness in education vary across generations, with older Europeans viewing their opportunities as less fair. Participation in lifelong learning is highest among young adults in most countries, though middle-aged adults lead in Sweden and Finland, highlighting the need for continuous learning throughout life.

In the labour market, middle-aged Europeans express the strongest preference for independent work, reflecting the complex effects of digitalisation and labour market change. Persistent gender and educational gaps remain in returning to work after parental leave, impacting most women and people with lower education levels. Perceptions of wage fairness are lowest in eastern European and rural regions, pointing to ongoing regional and socioeconomic disparities.

Family formation decisions are closely linked to financial stability, housing, and childcare access, with younger and lower-educated adults expressing lower confidence in meeting these preconditions. Patterns of intergenerational solidarity vary significantly across Europe, depending on the balance between family-based support and welfare provision. In countries with stronger welfare systems, reliance on family financial transfers is lower while, in those with limited institutional support, families play a compensatory role.

Younger Europeans report relatively higher trust in democratic institutions but lower voter turnout than older groups, although they engage more in civic and protest activities. These patterns indicate that Europe’s resilience depends on supporting citizens through major life transitions, strengthening opportunities, and addressing generational gaps in fairness, security, and trust.