72% of young Spaniards fear war in Europe and 60% call for a common army.

The European Union is facing a turning point in its very existence, and citizens are a fundamental part—or must be—of this process, especially in the case of young people. In this new era for the continent, 72% of young Spaniards believe that Europe is now closer to armed conflict than it was five years ago. These perceptions reflect a growing sense of vulnerability and distrust in Europe's ability to protect itself in an unstable and even dangerous environment for the future of the Union.

In this context, 82.4% of respondents believe the EU should prioritize its autonomous response capacity in matters of security and defense, while 59.6% support the creation of a European army. Furthermore, 60% consider it necessary to increase defense spending to protect stability in the Union. These are the main conclusions of the study "The European Dilemma ," prepared and presented by Talent for the Future.

In these demands, Europeanism remains very much alive among young people, and these figures also coincide with the call for a demonstration in Madrid this Sunday aimed specifically at defending the EU as a key model in the global "battle" against the United States, China, and Russia. Thus, a large majority of Spanish youth support Spain's membership in the European Union : 69.5% consider it important, with the strongest support among those who identify with the left and have higher education. However, this support does not imply complacency. The functioning of the EU receives an average of only 2.6 out of five points, with older youth and those with more extreme ideological positions showing a greater degree of dissatisfaction.

On the other hand, the assessment of European foreign policy is the lowest in the report, with an average of 2.2 out of 5. 63.1% give it a negative rating, rising to 67.4% among young people aged 25 to 34. Criticism focuses on the inconsistency between the values ​​proclaimed by the EU and its alliances or agreements with authoritarian regimes. Even young people who view EU membership positively are critical: 52% of this group disapprove of its foreign policy.

Regarding economic diplomacy, 68% consider it important for the EU to use it to defend its interests. Eighty-one percent support a more proactive economic foreign policy toward powers such as China and the United States , and seven out of ten young people support the use of economic power (such as sanctions or strategic investments) to promote democracy and human rights. However, 56.6% believe that trade agreements do not benefit all member countries equally.

Values ​​remain central to young people: 57.3% reject signing agreements with countries that violate human rights , and 67.4% believe that the well-being of people should prevail over economic interests in foreign policy. This view is stronger among women (73.6%) and left-leaning youth (over 70%). Only 37.3% of young men support maintaining agreements with countries that violate human rights, compared to 75.2% of women.

Young people want more Europe, but not just any Europe.

Finally, six out of ten young people believe that EU principles should be decisive in its foreign relations, even if that means refusing to cooperate with governments that disrespect them. Optimism about the EU's global role is also evident: 51% believe the Union can improve the lives of people in third countries , with this belief being stronger among women and non-binary people. In short, young people support the EU, but demand greater coherence, autonomy, and ethical leadership.

This general overview suggests that Spanish youth combine a grassroots Europeanism—manifested in broad support for EU membership—with a critical attitude toward the Union's concrete performance. For policymakers, this "dilemma" implies that, although there is legitimacy and support for the European project, there is a clear demand for reforms and improvements in how the EU functions and how it projects itself globally.

On the other hand, European and national institutions have the opportunity to capitalize on young people's overwhelming support for the European ideal, provided they heed their criticisms, according to the study prepared by the youth organization: the demands include greater institutional effectiveness, greater coherence between values ​​and actions, and a more assertive international role that is faithful to democratic principles. "Ignoring these perceptions could open the door to growing disaffection or the exploitation of this discontent by Eurosceptic forces, while addressing them head-on can strengthen the bond between new generations and Europe," they add in the report.

"The new generations not only support greater European integration; they demand a Europe capable of protecting, acting firmly, and leading in a world that they feel is increasingly hostile," Elsa Arnaiz, president of Talent for the Future, explained regarding the results. "In an uncertain international context, young people are demanding less rhetoric and more action: a Union that moves from words to deeds," she added. As we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the signing of the Schuman Declaration, this document is "a wake-up call," the organization warns. "Young people want more Europe, but not just any Europe . They want a courageous Europe, capable of defending itself without depending on others, but at the same time faithful to its founding principles in its foreign policy," Arnaiz concluded.