Prof. Rumyana Stoilova, Assoc. Prof. Petya Ilieva-Trichkova and Martin Velichkov, all from IPS-BAS, are the authors of a report published recently. The report uses data from major European research infrastructures – the European Social Survey (ESS), the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) and the Generations and Gender Programme (GGP) – within the project Building a Resilient Europe | Infra4NextGen. The report was prepared by Rumyana Stoilova, Petya Ilieva-Trichkova and Martin Velichkov. Its theme, “Building a Resilient Europe,” examines attitudes toward education, employment, family life, intergenerational solidarity and democracy.
The report offers a comprehensive overview of young Europeans’ education, employment, family formation and democratic participation. Based on ESS, GGS and ISSP data, the analysis reveals significant generational differences: young adults engage more in lifelong learning and express higher trust in democratic institutions, yet they vote less frequently. Regional and socio-economic inequalities remain evident—particularly regarding wage fairness and returning to work after parental leave. In countries with stronger welfare systems, reliance on family support is lower, while in others, families continue to compensate for gaps in institutional provision. The report highlights that Europe’s resilience depends on strengthening support for young people as they transition into education, work and independent life.
