On the International Youth Day, the National Youth Council of Serbia (KOMS) traditionally releases the results of the largest annual youth survey in Serbia – the Alternative Report on the Position and Needs of Youth in the Republic of Serbia!
KOMS has been publishing the Alternative Report since 2017, and this year’s research was conducted from April to May 2024, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Some of the key findings include:
Youth Impact on Political Processes and Decisions: Over half of the respondents (54.4%) believe that the political system in Serbia does not at all enable young people to influence political processes and decisions. Only 1.8% of young respondents believe that the political system fully allows youth to impact political processes and decisions.
Position Towards Elections in Serbia: 82.5% of young people do not trust the electoral system, with 57% believing that elections are not fair and just at all, 25.5% saying elections are not fair and just, while only 1.8% stated that elections are completely fair and just.
Trust in Institutions: Young people have moderate trust only in scientists and science, while all other institutions have an average trust score below 3.00. Political institutions are noted for having the least trust.
Youth Position Towards Democracy: Trust in democracy has increased compared to the previous year, now standing at 39%, while distrust has decreased from 29.5% to 26.4%.
Youth Position Towards Leadership: 57% of young people believe that Serbia needs a strong leader who will be followed by the people, which is a slight decrease from the previous year (60.1%).
Position Towards the EU: Compared to the previous year, when positive sentiment towards the EU was at a record low (16%), this year it remains at 16%.
Position Towards the Status of Kosovo: 31.7% of young people support regaining control over Kosovo through military means. In 2021, support for this option was 18.7%.
Types of Employment Contracts: A concerning 17% of young people work without a contract, i.e., “on the black market.”
Young People in Internships: 37% of young people have participated in unpaid internships, while 18% have had paid internships, which is a slight increase from the previous year (13%).
Needed Areas/Skills in the Education System: Young people feel the education system most lacks health and sexual education (64.3%) and interpersonal relationships (64%).
Planning to Move Abroad: Almost half (49%) of young people plan to move out of Serbia, with 21% already planning their departure and 28% not yet in the planning process. Only 14% of young people claim they will not leave Serbia.
Reasons for Leaving Serbia: A higher standard of living is the main reason young people would leave the country (33%), followed closely by a more dignified life (32%). Young people also emphasized the importance of better public services (14%).
Justification of Violence: As many as 51.9% of young people believe that violence can be justified, which is a 10% increase from the previous year.
Mental Health and Access to Professional Help: As many as 46.9% of respondents believe that professional help for mental health care is inaccessible to young people.
Youth Anxiety: Almost half of young people (48.3%) often feel anxious.
Quality of the Environment: A significant 63.5% of young respondents believe that the quality of the environment in Serbia is poor.
The data from the research increasingly indicate the need to improve the position of young people in Serbia. The emigration of young people and their dissatisfaction with life are becoming growing problems. Key stakeholders must recognize this situation as a priority and take the necessary measures to address it.
This report was produced as part of the “Inspire to Action” project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), that is implemented by the Trag Foundation and other partner organizations, including CRTA, the National Youth Council of Serbia, BeFEM, the Slavko Ćuruvija foundation and the Serbian Philanthropy forum.