Súčasné výzvy v oblasti mládeže

Abstract

The main aim of the paper is to detect current youth challenges in the context of modern Europe, based on the new European Union Strategy for Youth, which will be a source document fot the years 2019 to 2027. An integral part of the Strategy are the European goals and challenges of the current generation of young people, determined by youth across Europe, as a result of the sixth cycle of the European Youth Dialogue, entitled 'Youth in Europe: What is next? In view of eleven European goals and challenges for young Europeans, we initiated a pilot survey in the form of a questionnaire with students at University of St. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava. The aim of the pilot survey was to obtain relevant data, information from the student's perspective, capturing the attitudes and opinions on the individual areas that the European objectives accurately define. On the basis of the research results, students know most about the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. They know the least about the Court of Justice of the European Union and the European Council. In general, however, they are skeptical of the European Union and its institutions, although, as the survey has shown, students rarely seek information about its activities. Gender equality is one of the other cross-sectoral areas incorporated in the European Youth Goals and Challenges. Students (61.9%) realize that in the conditions of the Slovak Republic discriminatory tendencies prevail over the issue of equal employment opportunities for men and women, which most often result from stereotyped beliefs. One of the most critical areas that European youth has defined is the mental health of young people, which is currently stigmatized. Increasing risk of mental disorders is also recognized by the students involved in our survey (79.9%). Social networks, pressures from society, increased demands of employers or discriminatory manifestations are the most cited causes by students.