Flutterby Youth: The Early Nest Leavers of Scandinavia vs the Late Bats in the European Cave
European youth prolong their hotel stays late into the night
Wiesbaden (dpa) - Men are known for their laid-back approach to moving out, with the average gap in Germany standing at one and a half years in 2024: women take off at 23.1, while men follow suit at 24.6. Despite this, young Germans are seen to leave the nest earlier than their EU counterparts (23.9 years compared to 26.2).
The Federal Statistical Office, based on calculations by Eurostat, reports this data. Seven EU countries boast a lower average age of leaving home, including Scandinavian nations, the Netherlands (23.2), and France (23.5).
Homebodies with wings were particularly common in Finland (21.4 years) and Denmark (21.7 years). On the other hand, Croatia (31.3 years), Slovakia (30.9 years), and Greece (30.7 years) stood out for their late leavers.
When it comes to those who prefer to stay put, the difference between the sexes becomes even greater: 33.8% of 25-year-old men in Germany still dwell with their parents, contrasting with just 22.4% of women.
The Eager Beavers of Scandinavia
The early departure of Scandinavians can be attributed to several factors, with financial support for students, trainees, and apprentices being one of the main reasons. This aid is provided regardless of the parents' income. Additionally, there's an abundance of student dormitories and state-subsidized rental apartments reserved for young people.
Location also plays a role: in sparsely populated areas like the north of Sweden and Finland, the next higher school is often a good distance away. Moreover, in small Denmark, educational institutions like secondary schools, vocational schools, and training centers are mostly concentrated in major cities.
The independent and individualistic culture of Scandinavia also encourages young adults to leave the nest. Parents often nurture their children's spirit of adventure and love for freedom. Compared to Southern Europe, family structures are typically looser.
The Tight-Knit Greeks
Conversely, discussions about moving out are almost off-limits in Greece and Cyprus. High rents and scarce job opportunities often leave young people no choice but to continue cohabiting with their parents to save cash.
Family plays a crucial role in Greece, with parents offering shelter and monetary aid in return for assistance during difficult times or in old age.
Italy's "Bamboccioni" and "Boomerang Generation"
Italy grapples with the stereotype of "Bamboccioni" - young adults who prefer to live with their parents for convenience or lack of independence. However, reality bites harshly: one in seven people aged 15 to 29 is neither in education nor employed. And those who find work often end up with brief or precarious employment.
Stagnant wages make it increasingly tough for young Italians to take the homeownership plunge. Despite Italy having a homeownership rate of over 70%, young people are increasingly excluded from the housing market.
The "Boomerang Generation" refers to adults who, after years of independence, find their way back to their parents' nest. Financial struggles and emotional needs like loneliness or the need for family support contribute to this phenomenon.
Slovakia's Struggling Nesters
In Slovakia, the State lended a hand with housing during "real socialism." After the transition, all apartments were privatized, and new construction was inhibited. In booming towns like Bratislava, private investors prefer to invest in offices over residences.
The prevailing reason why people tend to remain with their parents longer in Slovakia is less a matter of luxury and more a consequence of the difficult housing market. Few rental apartments are available, and young people who secure employment often continue to live with their parents until they can afford to buy a place of their own. And in a low-wage country like Slovakia, achieving financial independence can take a while.
- In contrast to the early nest leavers in Scandinavia, who are often supported by financial aid for students, trainees, and apprentices, as well as a surplus of student dormitories and state-subsidized rental apartments, individuals in Slovakia tend to stay with their parents longer due to challenges in the housing market.
- While the lifestyle in some European countries like Denmark and Finland encourages young adults to adopt an independent and individualistic approach, leading to early departures from home, cultures in other countries like Greece and Cyprus value family ties and tradition, with financial and emotional reasons often keeping young adults living with parents for extended periods.
