National Level Assessment Report - Italy
This National Level Assessment Report explores the current state of youth civic knowledge and engagement in Italy, within the framework of the ParticipACTION project. This report integrates findings from desk research, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), surveys, interviews, interactive seminars, and national roundtables conducted by IRC Italia and Glocal Factory during the initial phases (WP1, WP2 and WP3) of the ParticipACTION project. The Report shines a light on young people themselves, presenting their proposed solutions for improving access, inclusivity, and representation in democratic decision-making processes. Through this methodology, the ParticipACTION project critically analyzes the specific areas the EU and Member States like Italy can concentrate on to dramatically improve civic engagement and democratic knowledge amongst its youth. Contrary to the common perception that Italian youth are disengaged or uninformed, the findings reveal a more nuanced reality: young people are deeply concerned about social and political issues but often feel alienated from traditional institutions. This sense of exclusion is driven by a lack of trust, limited representation, and a poor understanding of European institutional processes, challenges that are especially acute for youth with migratory backgrounds. Structural barriers such as discrimination, financial hardship, and inaccessible communication further hinder their inclusion. To address this, young people strongly support comprehensive civic education at all school levels, including lessons on EU politics, media literacy, and civic responsibility. They also call for greater institutional support for youth-led initiatives, more inclusive participation opportunities, and safe spaces for political dialogue. Improved communication through modern media platforms is essential to make politics more relatable and accessible. Bridging the gap between youth and institutions requires more than information; it demands inclusive policies, trust-building, and meaningful avenues for engagement that empower young people to actively shape their societies.
