From mainstream politics to everyday conversations, issues like migration, war, gender equality and the economy increasingly spark controversy.
A new study revealed that in Italy (65%), France (71%) and Germany (74%), friends are the confidantes of choice for political discussions.
Denmark is the exception, with 49% of people talking primarily with parents.
A research from Debating Europe sought the views of 2,000 people aged between 18 and 35 from Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, and Poland between November 2024 and January 2025.
The survey was conducted in the participants' native languages to aid engagement and understanding.
A small share of participants (7% in Germany and 13% in Denmark and Poland) avoid political talk entirely.
A strong majority of respondents in these five EU countries view politicians, social media and traditional media as central forces that are fracturing society.
"Policymaking should not happen without a clear understanding of what citizens actually think or need, especially young people who deal with the legacies of many decisions," said Director of Debating Europe Adam Nyman.
Are people's social circles affected by political divisions?
Between 43% (Denmark) and 56% (France) say they align politically with their partners.
However, in France (28%) and Italy (28%), youth are more likely to disagree with parents, pointing to intergenerational division.
Around 68% of French, Italian and Polish respondents claim they are most likely to share political views with friends. In Germany, the percentage rises to 75%.
Denmark scores the lowest, with only 50% feeling they agree with friends on politics.
In the workplace, up to 50% of Polish respondents agree with their colleagues, while only 30% do in Denmark.
Online discussions more often reveal disagreements, except in Denmark and Poland.
Better education is considered the cornerstone of social cohesion amongst all five EU countries.
However, addressing economic inequalities is also seen as a possible solution for reducing societal divisions in Germany at 50% and Italy at 48%.
Banning anti-democratic parties is the third most popular solution in Germany (35%) and the fourth most popular in Italy (23%).
Is AI affecting political opinions among EU youth?
Around 41% of Danish respondents admit to having their political opinions affected by AI-generated content. At the same time, Germans are split, with 26% admitting to being affected and another 26% expressing uncertainty as to whether that is the case.
"I’m sure I’ve come into contact with content created by AI. Therefore, I feel that I may have been influenced by it unknowingly," said one German respondent.
Meanwhile, three-quarters of Italian, French and Polish participants say their opinions remain unaffected by AI output.
Worries about AI manipulating democratic processes fluctuate from 31% in Italy to 38% in France.
However, many remain neutral, seeing AI as neither entirely harmful nor a guaranteed route to civic empowerment.
