Happy in their personal circumstances, but housing and economic issues squeeze young people

The perception of the Basque youth is full of contrasts. Optimism prevails in terms of their personal situation, but they show great concern about the structural factors that determine the future. This is reflected in the Aurrera Begira 2025 report of the Basque Youth Observatory of the Basque Government, according to which the personal welfare index is 73 points outof 100, while there is deep concern about housing, emancipation or difficulties in forming a family.

Thus, 45 per cent of young people believe that they will not be able to emancipate themselves within a year, which demonstrates the persistence of economic and employment-related barriers, which not only delay emancipation, but also affect other life projects. Thus, 31 per cent believe that they will hardly have children at the desired age, reflecting the increasing delay in motherhood and paternity.

Impossible emancipation

Although the majority place the appropriate age for having children at around the age of 30 — a trend that has remained stable over the last decade — 33.4 per cent believe that this is unlikely to happen, and another 8.7 per cent say it is "unlikely at all." These are the highest data since the study.

The labour market also fuels this sense of instability. 79% of unemployed young people believe that they will find work in one year and 82% of students expect to get a job commensurate with their training. However, 41%of those who are working say they are afraid of losing their jobs or worsening their conditions. This duality shows the balance between positive expectations and fragility in work.

On the other hand, some of the main indicators show a downward trend, with the future confidence index at 53 points outof 100, confirming the decline in medium-term expectations.

Family and mental health

The report states that the areas most valued include family, health, especially mental health, friends and, in general, personal and relational well-being.

In addition to these, employment and economic circumstances, which young people consider essential for the development of an autonomous life project, are of great importance. In general, the report draws up a hierarchy of values in which emotional (relationships, well-being) and material (work, income) dimensions coexist.

However, the main gaps occur in the latter areas. While young people show a high degree of satisfaction in the immediate environment, the greatest imbalances are in the economic situation, mental health and employment.