Over eight in ten (85%) "first voters" in Belgium (young people from 16 to 24 years old) cast their vote in the European elections in June, according to the European Parliament's 'EU Post-Electoral Survey 2024' published on Thursday.
The participation rate for young people is slightly lower than the national average (89%) – but much higher than the average for the entire EU (51%). While showing up to vote is mandatory in Belgium, those who fail to do so are seldom prosecuted or fined.
"More than half of Belgians would like more powers and a greater role for the European Parliament (European average 43% and in Belgium 54%)," the survey found. "84% of the 'first voters' look to the future of Europe with a very positive view."
Credit: European Parliament
For those from 16 to 24 in Belgium, the main topics encouraging them to vote were the economic situation (39%), migration and asylum (34%), and environment and climate change as well as the rising cost of living (both 32%).
For the country's general population, the rising cost of living (49%) was the main topic leading people to the voting booth, followed by the economic situation (42%) and the migration and asylum situation (31%).
In general, support for the EU remains high across Member States, despite economic challenges. Survey results show that citizens are optimistic about the future of the EU (65%) and that they continue to have a positive impression of the EU and the European Parliament. EU membership is also seen in a positive light.
Europeans reaffirmed their support for EU democracy in the European elections last June. Turnout was 50.74% – the highest in 30 years and similar to that in 2019. It increased in 16 out of 27 Member States compared to the 2019 European elections.
'Voting matters'
That voting matters is also confirmed by 56% of citizens who agree that their voice counts in the EU – an increase of 8 percentage points compared to February/March 2024 (48%).
"Last June, people across Europe made their voices heard when we saw the highest turnout in the European Parliament elections in 30 years. They gave us a mandate to act, to provide answers and solutions, and to make a positive difference in their daily lives," said European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.
"We will do that. Over the coming weeks, the European Parliament will question the new European Commission to ensure it addresses these issues: the cost of living, the state of our economy, democracy, the rule of law, migration and security," she said. "The European Parliament will continue to work to make the voice of people across the EU count."
