Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1113313
10 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 5 MAY 2019 NEWS JAMES DEBONO DESPITE being among the first to be granted the vote at the age of 16, Maltese millen- nials are still among the least likely in Europe to protest, make politically motivated consumer choices or volunteer in local community projects. A European-wide survey published by Eurobarometer conducted among young peo- ple aged between 15 and 30 years of age throws a light on local apathy which contrasts with the activism of young people on issues like climate change in the rest of the con- tinent. The survey among 259 Mal- tese young people in this age bracket reveals that the Maltese are the second least likely among the 28 European member states to participate in strikes, street protests and campaigns. Only 10% of Maltese young people have participated in such activities in contrast to 57% of Spanish and 53% of Italians. In all 28 EU member states, 35% of young people have par- ticipated in strikes, protests or campaigns. The least likely to participate in such activities were young people in Lithu- ania (8%) followed by those in Malta (10%) and Estonia (11%). Only 6% of Maltese young people say they have made po- litically motivated consumer choices. The proportion of respond- ents who have made politically motivated consumer choices varies considerably, from 51% in Sweden and the Netherlands and 44% in Finland to 5% in Romania and Croatia and 6% in Cy- prus, the Czech Repub- lic and Malta. The survey shows that apart from voting (68%), the most popular civic-minded ac- tivity among Maltese youths was volunteering in local com- munity projects. But even in this sphere participa- tion was low by Euro- pean standards. Respondents in Ire- land (74%), Denmark (71%) and the United Kingdom (66%) were the most likely to say they have taken part in volunteer- ing activities or local community projects, while those in Croa- tia (37%), Sweden (38%) and Malta (39%) were the least likely to have done so. The survey shows that more than a fifth of Maltese young people (21%) post their opin- ions on current issues in con- trast to 38% of young people in all 28 member states. Nearly a third of Maltese young people (32%) have participated in stu- dent or youth organisation in contrast to 41% of young peo- ple in the EU 28. Surprisingly only 8% of Mal- tese young people have par- ticipated in political parties, political movements and trade unions. Participation in politi- cal movements, parties or un- ions, ranged from 31% in Swe- den and 23% in Ireland and Germany to 5% in Hungary and Estonia. When asked what prevents them from participating in such activities 57% of Maltese young people replied that they "don't have the time" while 35% replied that they have "no interest". Only 26% of Maltese re- spondents confirmed partici- pating in organised voluntary activities in the past year, in contrast with 34% of young people in all EU countries. The kids in America... feel the Bern. Millennial socialism has garnered momentum in liberal nations hit by austerity economics and the growing income inequality between rich and poor Forget FOMO… Maltese youths will simply not give two effs about politically-minded choice Revolution delayed… Maltese millennials among least to protest in Europe WHO CAN APPLY Organisations that support Entrepreneurship Local Councils, Ministries, Government Departments, Public Authorities and Entities, Public-Private Partnerships, Business Organisations, NGOs, Public Educational Institutions, Public and Church Schools, University of Malta (Faculties, Institutes and Departments), Trade Unions and Professional Associations. DEADLINE TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS Friday 10th May 2019 (Noon) FOR MORE INFORMATION AND THE APPLICATION FORM 2569 0310 | 2569 0350 nesa.commerce@gov.mt www.commerce.gov.mt NATIONAL ENTERPRISE SUPPORT AWARDS 2019 PRIZE FUND €50,000 AND NOMINATION FOR THE PRESTIGIOUS COMPETITION: EUROPEAN ENTERPRISE PROMOTION AWARDS 2019 Joy of missing out Malta EU28 Participate in protests, strikes and campaigns 10% 35% Post opinions on current issues 21% 38% Participate in political parties/trade unions 8% 15% Make politically motivated consumer choices 6% 25% Participate in students/youth organisations 32% 41% Have voted in European, local, national elections 68% 72% Volunteered in local community projects 39% 58% SOURCE: EUROBAROMETER Will strike for the gram...