A new Eurobarometer survey on Youth and Democracy (October 2026) highlights the growing civic engagement of young Europeans and the important role organisations play in encouraging participation in society.
The survey, conducted among 26,806 young people aged 15–30 across all 27 EU Member States, found that 75% had participated in at least one organisation in the previous 12 months, up from 64% in 2024. Furthermore, 55% had taken part in an initiative aimed at changing society.

Sports clubs stand out as the most frequently mentioned type of organisation, with 26% of young Europeans participating in their activities. This is ahead of youth clubs and youth organisations (20%).

These findings underline the importance of grassroots sport as more than just a space for physical activity. Sports clubs provide opportunities for young people to meet, build relationships, develop a sense of belonging and actively engage in their communities.

The survey also highlights the European dimension of youth participation, with 60% of respondents having taken part in activities in another EU country, including sporting and cultural exchanges.

Overall, the findings reinforce the role of grassroots sport in promoting youth engagement, social inclusion and active citizenship, highlighting why sport should be recognised as an important partner in shaping future European youth policies.