The inadequate integration of young people in formal organisations is often bemoaned and connected with a concern about the political engagement and democratic participation of young people. Against this background the study explores the meaning of politics and political participation among young Western Europeans, age and generation related differences in participation, the connection between social capital and political participation and the development of both between 1980 and 2000. The study reveals a sceptical view of politics among young people, a shift in forms of political expression, but no general, Europe-wide, trend towards apathy.