EU Accelerator 3.0 Perception Study: Young People Are the Strongest Supporters of European Integration
Young people in the Republic of Moldova want their country to join the European Union and view European integration as an opportunity for a better future.
They associate the European path with access to quality education, more competitive salaries, greater career opportunities, and the freedom to travel. The study conducted by participants of the EU Accelerator 3.0 program confirms that young people are the true driving force behind change.
More than 1,200 people made their voices heard through the research carried out by members of the Euro Clubs and EU Information Centres. The results point to a strong public aspiration for development and new opportunities.
Young People Lead the Wave of Optimism
Support for European integration is remarkably high: 86.3% of all respondents believe Moldova stands to benefit from this process. The strongest support comes from young people aged 18–35, who recorded an impressive 91.4% approval rate.
For Moldova’s youth, European integration is not merely a political concept – it represents their personal future.
When young people say “yes” to Europe, they are thinking about practical benefits that can improve their lives and communities. Among the most valued advantages are:
- Greater access to quality education and attractive employment opportunities;
- Freedom of movement and the ability to travel without restrictions;
- Higher salaries and faster economic growth;
- Access to European funding for infrastructure projects and anti-corruption efforts.
Visible Investments, Real Impact
Young people’s optimism is fueled by the changes they see around them every day. Approximately 75% of respondents said they clearly recognize the investments made by the European Union at the local level.
These changes take the form of reconstructed roads, modernized schools and kindergartens, and revitalized public spaces. One example frequently mentioned by respondents is the central park in Ungheni, which, alongside other infrastructure projects, demonstrates how European support is helping transform communities across Moldova.
Informed and Connected
Today’s young people know exactly where to find relevant information. To stay informed about European opportunities, they primarily rely on digital channels and social media, where news and updates are available almost instantly.
They also have a positive perception of security, rating the EU’s contribution to Moldova’s security at 3.83 out of 5.
Europe Café, the main European Union information center in the Republic of Moldova, continues to support young people in promoting European values and contributing to the development of their communities. The EU Accelerator 3.0 program is currently underway, and we will soon return with more updates on participants’ achievements.
The EU Accelerator 3.0 program runs from March to July 2026 and combines theoretical learning with practical application. Participants learn how to create digital content (video, social media content, and storytelling), analyze public perceptions of the European Union through community-based research, develop and implement local communication campaigns, counter disinformation and myths related to European integration, and promote the tangible benefits of EU support.
The program will culminate in a youth-led digital communication campaign implemented by Euro Clubs across social media platforms. The team whose campaign generates the greatest visibility will be rewarded with a study visit to Brussels.
