We are pleased to formally announce a significant development for Palumba.org and our internal social research unit, the Knowledge Lab. Over the past several months, our team has been working in close coordination with the prestigious research unit at the Allianz Foundation. Today, we can finally unveil our role as a partner in a comprehensive initiative investigating how young Europeans interact with democratic systems through 8,500 survey respondents across Spain, France, Germany, Italy and Poland.
This collaboration centers on the newly published “Next Generations Study,” a rigorous piece of research authored by the Allianz Foundation and the renowned SINUS Institute. The study offers an unprecedented look into the civic mindset of our generation, moving beyond surface-level polling to explore deep-seated values and political behaviors. Our Knowledge Lab has engaged in months of dialogue and coordination to help contextualize how these findings relate to the digital democratic engagement we see on our platform.
One of the study’s most compelling insights, which aligns closely with our own observations, is the strong desire for systemic change. The data reveals that 65% of young Europeans are urging policymakers to take decisive steps toward ecological transformation, prioritizing sustainability over traditional economic growth models. However, the landscape is complex. The study utilizes a newly validated “Backlash Barometer” which identifies that 28% of young respondents express “regressive nostalgia”, believing the best way forward is a return to traditional roles and restricted migration.
We must also acknowledge the leadership of Dr. Simon Morris-Lange as Chief Editor in carrying out the project. Under his direction, the study highlights that, despite polarization, 43% of young Europeans are not merely observers but are organizing collectively to shape their societies. In fact, contrary to many myths, 97% take some kind of civic action.
For Palumba.org, this partnership is vital; it equips us with the high-level data necessary to better serve the diverse coalition of young changemakers across the continent. Our next steps are clar: we will disseminate the findings across our social media through fresh formats while making the most out of them to improve our app and refine our social media outreach strategies.
