In January, the Research Chair in Parliamentary Studies at the University of Luxembourg published its Polindex, also known as the Political Observatory. It indicates that interest in politics among 18–34-year-olds remains “relatively limited”. Furthermore, “more than 23% of 18-34 year-olds say they find politics boring, suggesting a form of detachment that stems less from mistrust than from a mismatch between what politics has to offer and the concerns or modes of engagement of younger generations”.
The report also highlights that, in this age group, the “sense of hope remains significantly more limited” and that this context “suggests that, whilst young people are not necessarily hostile to democracy, they maintain a more distant relationship with institutional politics, one that holds fewer positive prospects, which reinforces the need to renew forms of engagement, participation and outreach in order to meet the expectations of the younger generations”.
More recently, the Jugendbericht (Report on the Situation of Young People in Luxembourg), published in March, highlights the same trend: “Overall, young people appear somewhat detached from politics, a trend that is particularly evident in the decline in their interest between 2019 and 2024.”
Two-thirds of young people would like to have a greater say in politics, with alternative forms of participation (signature-gathering, product boycotts, online posts) becoming increasingly important compared to more conventional forms (involvement in a political party). Furthermore, engagement within their immediate social environment is widespread among young people.
According to the Jugendbericht, only 2–3% of young people are involved in organisations such as political parties, trade unions or environmental groups.
But why aren’t young people getting more involved? We put this question to our panel, who gave a range of answers:
— “I don’t need to be affiliated with a specific group championing a particular cause to make a difference.”
— “I don’t think it will make any difference.”
— “I don’t want to be affiliated with a political party.”
— “I haven’t yet found a cause I want to commit to.”
— “I already have little time to balance my personal and professional life.”
Ten committed young people
César González Fernández
“Be the change you want to see in this world. Don’t feel powerless. Every act, every choice and decision matters and counts.”
César González Fernández embodies a form of climate activism stripped of all unnecessary heroism. As the founder of the Clean Something for Nothing initiative, he starts from a simple idea: to remove the barriers to action by making it accessible to everyone. His platform invites everyone to take concrete steps, pick up litter, document their impact, share it, and transform these individual actions into a collective movement.
Born out of a hashtag that went viral, the movement has evolved into an app and now spans more than 80 countries, with hundreds of tonnes of waste collected. As an ambassador for the European Climate Pact, it relies on education, digital technology and local engagement to make environmentalism an everyday, visible and contagious practice.
Lara Bertemes
At the age of 25, Lara Bertemes spoke on behalf of Luxembourg’s young people at the last COP as a youth climate delegate. A former youth delegate to the United Nations, she is also a member of the Global Shapers Community, a network of young people under the age of 30 active in 376 hubs around the world.
Professionally, her commitment continues. As a member of the Scienteens Lab and a Sustainability Development Specialist at the University of Luxembourg, she designs and runs workshops on sustainable development, in collaboration with businesses and public institutions.
Julien Lemmer Veloso
Although still at school, Julien Lemmer Veloso already knows why he is getting involved. When asked what cause he is championing, he replies: “to look after the people around me and influence policy to bring about real change, rather than just complaining.”
Julien is particularly committed to climate issues. (Photo: Julien Lemmer Veloso)
As Vice-President of the Luxembourg Youth Parliament, he has already taken part in several COPs as part of youth delegations. He is also a member of the EU Climate Pact Benelux and the LRSL Action Team 4 Future.
Liam Bahbout and Elie Bertrand
At the age of 18, Liam Bahbout developed Leftlovers whilst studying for his A-levels. Launched a year earlier with his co-founders, the platform enables retailers to resell their unsold stock in the form of mystery bags. The idea stems from a simple observation: every evening, a large amount of food is thrown away. In the space of a year, the project has attracted several retailers and generated hundreds of sales.
Elie Bertrand, co-founder, is also a UNICEF Youth Ambassador. He has represented young people from Luxembourg in international programmes and contributed to collaborative projects. He is also vice-president of the Jugendparlament and a board member of Jonk Entrepreneuren Alumni.
Sam Elsey
Having become involved in public life at a very early age, Sam Elsey is now president of the DP Schëtter and a board member of the DP Zentrum. As a former president of the Young European Federalists Luxembourg and the Youth Parliament, he has built up solid experience in the fields of debate and representation.
A student on the Bachelor’s degree programme in Law and European Law at the University of Strasbourg, he complements his studies with an active involvement in student organisations, notably the FNEL, Jonk Entrepreneuren Alumni and the non-profit organisation Europa-Union Luxembourg.
Josephine Loschetter and Alexander Feil
Josephine Loschetter and Alexander Feil were both appointed as “Climate Youth Delegates” for Luxembourg in March, succeeding Lara Bertemes and Sarah Mackel. They will therefore travel to Turkey in November to represent the country at COP31.
Josephine is a former member of the Youth Parliament and holds a Master’s degree in Resource Economics and Sustainable Development from the University of Bologna. She is currently completing her Master’s degree in Sustainable Finance at the University of Luxembourg. Alexander, meanwhile, is completing his Master’s degree in Environmental Political Science at Columbia University in New York.
Daria Kalinina
Daria Kalinina, aged 19, is chair of the Wisconsin-Luxembourg Youth Committee and founder of the Speech Olympics Club at her school, Lycée Lënster. She is also a member of the Jugendparlament. She recently took part in the European Parliament’s EPAS observation programme in Brussels.
Daria Kalinina is already employed and recently took part in a work experience programme at the European Parliament. (Photo: D.K)
Sara Gabrielli
Sara Gabrielli is an ambassador for the Climate Pact in Luxembourg. (Photo: S.G)
At the age of 28, Sara Gabrielli, Climate Pact Ambassador in Luxembourg, is placing climate action within a rigorous legal framework, at the intersection of international law and fundamental rights. A graduate of the University of Luxembourg, she is currently studying for an LL.M. at the London School of Economics whilst conducting research at the University of Oxford.
As a youth delegate to the United Nations, she advocates for the recognition of climate change as a human rights issue. Convinced of the urgent need for action, she is committed to making complex debates more accessible and bridging the gap between institutions and civil society, notably through the Shapeathon.
This article was written for the May 2026 issue of Paperjam magazine, published on 29 April. The content is produced exclusively for the magazine. It is published on the site to contribute to Paperjam’s comprehensive archive. Click on this link to subscribe to the magazine.
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