Europe Studies
About the Program
Young Europeans are entering adulthood at a time of overlapping crises. The war in Ukraine has reshaped security debates across the continent, while far-right and populist movements are redefining political landscapes from Italy to Hungary to France.
Rising housing costs, inflation, and stagnant wages make it harder for young people to gain economic independence.
Migration from conflict zones in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Africa continues to test Europe’s capacity for integration, with young migrants and refugees facing barriers in schools, labor markets, and civic participation.
The Europe Studies Program at Babel Institute examines these dynamics. We focus on how wars and conflicts, migration, and the EU’s climate transition policies are reshaping opportunities for young Europeans—and how European youths themselves are reshaping Europe’s democratic and economic institutions.
Key Research Areas
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As the war in Ukraine continues, Europe’s shifting defense priorities are reshaping youth life—from debates over conscription and military readiness to the economic trade-offs of rising defense budgets. We analyze how prolonged conflict influences political stability, youth employment, and security across the continent.
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As young refugees from Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan, and Africa settle across Europe, communities are being reshaped in classrooms, workplaces, and neighborhoods. We assess integration policies at both the EU and member-state level, from access to education to employment opportunities, and identify which approaches succeed and which leave young refugees excluded.
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Assessing the everyday impact of Europe’s climate agenda, from soaring energy bills and transport costs to mandatory housing retrofits that fall hardest on students and renters. We study whether climate transition policies distribute costs fairly—or leave youth bearing a disproportionate share of the burden.
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Nationalist and populist movements are attracting young voters and reshaping political participation across Europe by appealing to frustrations over unemployment, housing, and cultural identity, and by using digital platforms to mobilize support. We analyze trends in youth engagement and representation, focusing on how government policies, party strategies, and media influence shape young people’s choices and trust in democratic institutions.
Our Contribution
Babel Institute’s Europe Studies program addresses the defining pressures facing young people across the continent: security in the wake of the war in Ukraine, widening intergenerational inequality, the challenge of integrating refugees and migrants, the burdens of the climate and energy transition, and the political impact of rising populism. We identify where current approaches fall short and develop practical alternatives that strengthen opportunity, fairness, and democratic resilience.
Publications
Get Involved
The United States Studies program advances its work through collaboration.
Students and Young Professionals: Contribute to research and publications as fellows, interns, or youth contributors.
Supporters and Donors: Provide resources that allow us to expand our research and amplify the voices of young Americans in policymaking.
Educators and Community Leaders: Partner with us to bring local insights into national debates and help test policy ideas on the ground.
For more information about how to participate or support the program, contact us at info@babelinstitute.us
