Romania had one of the lowest rates of active citizenship in EU, of only 3.6%, based on 2015 data. Only Cyprus and Slovakia recorded lower rates.

At EU level, the average rate of active citizenship reached 11.9% in 2015, according to EU’s statistical office Eurostat. France ranked first, with a 24.6% rate, followed by Sweden and the Netherlands.

Active citizens are those who take part in rallies, sign petitions or participate in activities related to political groups or associations.

People with a higher level of education tend to be more active. About 20.8% of EU citizens with tertiary education participated in activities related to active citizenship, above the rates of high school graduates (11.4%) and those with lower education (5.6%).

Another factor that affects active citizenship is income. People with higher incomes tend to be more active citizens.

editor@romania-insider.com