Why Young People Don’t See Potential in Civic Participation in Cyprus

by Katerina Panagi

In today’s rapidly evolving world, active citizenship has become a pillar of democratic societies. It embodies the idea that individuals have the power and responsibility to engage in their communities and influence decision-making processes.

However, in Cyprus, many young people struggle to see the potential benefits of their participation in civic life. This article explores the underlying reasons for this disillusionment and highlights the need for a renewed focus on youth engagement in active citizenship.

Lack of Trust

One of the foremost barriers to youth participation in Cyprus is the pervasive lack of trust in political institutions. ‘Cyprus has the lowest number of youths active in initiatives aimed at changing society, at 31%, compared to the EU average at 48%, the findings of the ‘Youth and Democracy’ survey showed.

Initiatives include signing a petition, participating in a rally or sending a letter to politicians. This scepticism is often rooted in a perception of corruption and inefficiency within the political system. When young people feel that their voices will not be heard or that their participation will not lead to meaningful change, they are less likely to engage in civic activities – 19% of young Cypriots believe their vote will not change anything.

Lack of Opportunities

Another significant factor contributing to youth disengagement is the lack of opportunities for meaningful participation. Research indicates that the percentage of the population that engages in volunteerism and participates in civil society organisations is fairly low. Many young individuals report feeling sidelined in decision-making processes that directly affect their lives. Without accessible platforms for expressing their views and making an impact, it is challenging for young people to see the value of their participation in civic life.

Economic Challenges

Economic challenges also weigh heavily on the minds of young Cypriots. With youth unemployment rates hovering around 15.6%, many young individuals prioritise securing stable employment over civic engagement. When survival takes precedence, participation in civic life often falls to the wayside. The pressure to achieve financial stability can overshadow the perceived importance of active citizenship, leading to a disconnect between young people and their communities. In this regard, half of young Cypriots (50%) want to move abroad as they struggle with the local job and housing markets, a Eurofound survey revealed.

Cultural Attitudes

Cultural attitudes in Cyprus deeply influence young people’s views on civic engagement. Research shows that many young Cypriots perceive civic participation more as an obligation than an opportunity for personal or societal empowerment. This sentiment stems partly from a lack of visible results from civic actions, which can diminish enthusiasm for active participation.

Furthermore, a 2021 Eurobarometer survey across Europe found that while many young people are interested in political issues and discuss them with family and friends, they often do not see themselves as having much impact, especially at the national level or European level. In Cyprus, this reflects a similar trend where engagement is often seen as ineffective, leading to disillusionment.

Efforts to change this narrative require family, educational institutions, and the government to actively promote the long-term benefits of civic engagement. Encouraging active participation as a form of empowerment, rather than a burden, can help shift this cultural perspective.

Impact of Social Media

While social media has emerged as a powerful tool for mobilising youth, it can also create a false sense of participation. Many young people engage in online activism, sharing posts and petitions, yet may not transition this engagement into offline action. However, this online focus can lead to a lack of tangible impact in their communities, further contributing to feelings of disillusionment about traditional forms of participation.

There are inspiring examples of young Cypriots using digital platforms for positive change, particularly in the realm of sustainability and cultural preservation. For instance, UNFICYP recently celebrated the digital contributions of Cypriot youth towards sustainable development.

Two members of the Fashion Heritage Network Cyprus, Thalis Chrysostomou and Rengin Akcan, highlighted how their network utilises social media to connect with young people across the divide, promoting events like the Cyprus Fashion Film Festival and the REVIVE exhibition, which focus on heritage and sustainability. Thalis explained that their digital presence helps promote their initiatives, raise awareness of Cypriot cultural heritage, and engage a younger audience through workshops and fashion events (UNFICYP, 2024).

While these efforts have proven successful in reaching a wider audience, Akcan emphasized that digital engagement should not replace in-person interactions. She recounted a workshop held inside the buffer zone, where young creatives learned traditional handicrafts from village artisans. The personal connection, storytelling, and hands-on experience in that setting underscored the importance of real-life community engagement alongside digital outreach. As Akcan noted, “digital platforms can reach anyone, but we cannot forget how valuable it is to engage as a community in person”.

Conclusion

The reasons behind the disengagement of young people in Cyprus from active citizenship are multifaceted and complex. A lack of trust in institutions, limited opportunities for engagement, economic pressures, cultural attitudes, and the impact of social media all play significant roles in shaping their perceptions. To foster a more engaged and active youth population, stakeholders must prioritize creating opportunities for meaningful participation, enhancing civic education, and promoting a culture that values civic responsibility. By addressing these challenges, we can empower young Cypriots to recognise the potential in their participation and inspire them to become active citizens who contribute to the betterment of their communities.