YOUTH POLITICAL ACTIVISM IN EUROPE: TRENDS AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

The article considers the features of youth political activity in Europe, its main forms and factors influencing the level of involvement of young citizens in political processes. In the context of the transformation of post-industrial society, there are significant changes in the forms of political participation of young people in Europe. Traditional mechanisms of engagement, such as participation in elections, membership in political parties and youth organizations, are gradually losing popularity. It is connected with a crisis of confidence in classical party structures, decrease in the influence of institutionalized forms of politics, and increase in interest in alternative methods of political activism. Young people are increasingly using social media and protest movements to express their views and influence on political agenda. The main barriers preventing the active participation of young people in political life are considered, including a low level of trust in traditional political institutions, lack of necessary knowledge about democratic processes, and socio-economic factors. The role of digitalization of the political space is emphasized, which opens up new opportunities for interaction with the state and society. At the same time, there is a risk of fragmentation of youth initiatives and decrease in their long-term impact. The article analyzes key trends in the political mobilization of youth, explores the motives for participation, and discusses the prospects for the development of new forms of civic engagement. It is concluded that it is necessary to adapt political institutions to changing conditions and create new forms of interaction with young people, taking into account the digital transformation of society