Documentation.

The article presents short introduction to two major studies concerning young people in Europe titled ''Study on the State of Young People and Youth Policy in Europe'' and ''Les jeunes européens en 2001.'' Those studies have been carried out in the context of the ''White Paper on Youth Policy" which has been adopted by the European Commission in November 2001. The survey titled ''Study on the State of Young People and Youth Policy in Europe," gauged opinions of young people on the big issues affecting today's society, such as the integration of foreigners, sexuality and cloning. The study revealed that half of all young Europeans do not belong to any organisation or association and concluded that the low level of participation of youth in clubs and societies, which has remained unchanged since 1997, should not be attributed to their inability to get involved in social activities. Sports clubs constitute the only noteworthy exception to this rule. Religious associations trail a long way behind, followed by youth clubs, special interest clubs and cultural associations. Only 2 per cent of young people belong to human rights organisations and 4 per cent were members of political parties or trade unions.