Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Gen Z Fuels Patriotic Surge

Gen Z Fuels Patriotic Surge Across Europe

Young Europeans are flocking to parties championing identity, culture, and national pride.

Young Rassemblement National supporters

CHRISTOPHE SIMON / AFP

A political earthquake is shaking Europe’s youth vote: Generation Z is flocking to patriotic and identity-driven parties in record numbers, with Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, France’s Marine Le Pen, Spain’s VOX, and Germany’s AfD turning young voters into a powerful new force reshaping the continent’s politics.

Even the left-leaning, establishment publication Politico has acknowledged the trend, reporting on how Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni has successfully engaged Generation Z with a platform that blends patriotism, cultural identity, and civic participation. Young attendees at her events emphasize the sense of community and belonging these activities foster.

“People feel at home and soon they feel part of a big family,” said student activist Nicolò Sangiorgi, 21.

The influence of international conservative figures, such as Charlie Kirk, and advocacy for freedom of speech, have also resonated with young Italians, who appreciate open debate that stays civil and focused on core values like freedom and democracy.

In Spain, the national conservative VOX has carved out a similar space among the youth. A recent El País poll shows VOX as the most popular party among voters aged 18 to 34, with support reaching 27.4% among 18- to 24-year-olds—far ahead of the Socialists at 15% and the centre-right Partido Popular at 11%.

Party leaders are setting up youth branches, training programs, and cultural events to get young people involved in politics, encouraging civic responsibility and pride in Spain’s history and local traditions.

In Germany, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) has experienced growing support among young voters interested in national identity and policies reflecting German history and values. In Thuringia, 38% of under-25s and 36% of millennials backed the party in the latest elections.

AfD leader Björn Höcke called it the “party of the youth”—and the numbers back him up.

Marine Le Pen’s Rassemblement National (RN) has also become the top choice for young French voters. In the 2024 European elections, the RN secured 32% of the votes of under-34s. Jordan Bardella, the party’s president, has strengthened this trend through an effective digital strategy emphasizing national identity and French sovereignty.

Shared factors drive the rise of patriotism and identity values among Generation Z. Young people are increasingly interested in preserving their country’s cultural identity and history. They seek spaces for community, friendship, and social engagement that complement digital life. Many value initiatives that strengthen social cohesion and national pride.

The coming years will show whether Generation Z can balance global connections with national identity as immigration and demographic change reshape Europe. Their choices could determine the continent’s political and cultural direction for decades to come.

Javier Villamor is a Spanish journalist and analyst. Based in Brussels, he covers NATO and EU affairs at europeanconservative.com. Javier has over 17 years of experience in international politics, defense, and security. He also works as a consultant providing strategic insights into global affairs and geopolitical dynamics.