The demographics of the EU

More than half of young people in Slovenia do not believe they will be able to afford their own home, according to a recent international survey conducted by WIN Worldwide. The findings reveal a deep sense of pessimism among Slovenian youth regarding their future prospects, with 53 percent believing they will not be able to purchase property, compared to just 27 percent who think they can. This stark contrast highlights a growing disconnect between current economic realities and the aspirations of younger generations. The survey, which was carried out between November 2025 and February 2026, included responses from over 44,000 individuals across 44 countries. In Slovenia, the Institute Mediana collected data from a representative sample of 1,018 adults aged 18 to 24 through an online panel. According to the results, Slovenian youth are significantly more pessimistic about their future opportunities than their peers in other parts of Europe and the world. While 47 percent of global respondents believe their generation has more opportunities than their parents’, only 32 percent of Slovenians share this view. Conversely, 57 percent of Slovenian youth believe their generation has fewer opportunities than previous ones, far higher than the 35 percent figure observed among all adult residents in the country. This sentiment extends beyond housing affordability. When asked whether their generation has more, less, or the same number of opportunities as their parents’, 47 percent of global youth believe there are more opportunities, while 28 percent see fewer. In Slovenia, however, the situation is markedly different: 57 percent of young people feel their generation has fewer opportunities than their parents, and only 32 percent believe otherwise. This pessimism is even more pronounced than in neighboring countries such as Croatia and Serbia, where similar trends are evident. The issue of homeownership is particularly alarming. Globally, 56 percent of young people believe they will eventually be able to afford their own home, while 27 percent do not. In Europe, the optimism rate drops slightly to 41 percent, with 35 percent expressing doubt. However, in Slovenia, the numbers are far worse: only 27 percent of young people believe they will be able to buy a house, and 53 percent are convinced they won’t. These figures reflect a broader crisis of economic insecurity among young Slovenians, exacerbated by rising living costs, stagnant wages, and limited access to affordable housing. The implications of these findings extend beyond personal financial concerns. Many young Slovenians are increasingly considering relocation to other countries in search of better opportunities. According to the same survey, nearly 70 percent of Slovenian youth believe they would move abroad due to improved conditions elsewhere. This percentage is comparable to global and European averages, though it is notably higher than in Croatia, where 75 percent of young people consider moving, and in Serbia, where 86 percent are open to relocation. Such high levels of mobility suggest a growing disillusionment with the domestic job market and quality of life. The reasons behind this trend are multifaceted. One key factor is the lack of stable employment and income security. Many young Slovenians face uncertain working conditions, low wages, and long-term unemployment, making it difficult to plan for the future. According to reports from local media, the labor market in Slovenia is struggling with a shortage of skilled workers, yet many registered unemployed individuals lack the qualifications or skills required for available jobs. This mismatch between supply and demand creates a cycle of underemployment and frustration among young professionals. Another contributing factor is the increasing cost of living, particularly in urban areas. Housing prices have risen sharply, making it nearly impossible for young people to save enough for a down payment or rent a place to live. In addition, basic necessities such as food, transportation, and utilities have become more expensive, further straining household budgets. As a result, many young Slovenians find themselves trapped in a cycle of debt and financial instability, unable to achieve the level of independence they once envisioned. The situation is compounded by demographic challenges. Slovenia is facing a rapidly aging population, with the proportion of people over 65 years old set to increase significantly in the coming decades. This shift threatens to strain public services, including healthcare and social care systems, which are already under pressure. Young people, who are often the primary caregivers for elderly family members, are being forced to take on additional responsibilities, limiting their ability to focus on career development or personal goals. In response to these challenges, some organizations and advocacy groups have called for greater involvement of young people in decision-making processes. The Youth Council of Slovenia, for example, has urged policymakers to include youth voices in discussions about education, employment, and housing policies. They argue that meaningful participation is essential for creating solutions that address the unique needs and aspirations of young people. However, despite these calls, many young Slovenians feel ignored or excluded from political discourse, leading to a sense of alienation and disengagement. At the same time, some young people are taking matters into their own hands. Student unions and grassroots movements are organizing protests and campaigns to highlight issues such as wage stagnation, housing shortages, and educational inequality. These efforts aim to raise awareness and push for policy changes that could improve the lives of young Slovenians. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives remains to be seen, especially given the complex political landscape and the competing priorities of government officials. Ultimately, the findings of this survey underscore a critical challenge facing Slovenia’s youth: a growing gap between expectations and reality. With few opportunities for upward mobility, increasing economic uncertainty, and a lack of support structures, many young people are left feeling powerless and frustrated. Addressing these issues will require coordinated action from both the public and private sectors, as well as a commitment to investing in the future of the next generation. Until then, the outlook for young Slovenians remains bleak.