This is a very weird framing of this study. The original study (which is linked in the article) is in German. Those who don’t speak German will find a useful translation provider, I provide the study’s summary literal translation:
>Young people: EU and democracy are good, but reforms are needed
- 57% prefer democracy to any other form of government - 39% think that the EU does not function particularly democratically
- Young Europeans want change - 53% criticize the EU for being too preoccupied with trivialities instead of focusing on the essentials
- Cost of living, defense against external threats and better conditions for businesses should be priorities for the EU
- Only 42% think that the EU is one of the three most powerful global political players
Among others, the study also says (again, a direct translation, I am not paraphrasing):
48% of young Europeans believe that democracy in their country is under threat, compared to 61% in Germany. Two thirds rate their country’s membership of the EU as positive. At the same time, 53% of young people criticize the fact that the EU is too often concerned with minor issues. Half of 16 to 26-year-olds think the EU is a good idea, but very poorly implemented.
I don’t say that everything is perfect, but the whole study paints a completely different picture than this article - and especially its headline - appears to suggest.
[Edit my comments for clarity, translation has not been edited.]
Unfortunately there is only a German version of the study, I don’t know whether you speak German or you may manage to get a automated translation.
Study: Junges Europe 2025 / Young Europe 2025 - (PDF)
In the study (85 pages) you see each question and the response.
Last year the study was also available in English (Young Europe 2024 - pdf)
I hope this helps somehow.