Wave of youth protests in Europe: 177 demonstrations in 12 countries since mid-September
According to an analysis by the newspaper El País, at least 177 protests have taken place in 12 European countries since mid-September. Young people are demanding better education, access to housing and lower living costs.
Author: Editorial teamPublished: 2 min read
Contents
Since mid-September 2026, a series of demonstrations dominated by young people has been sweeping across Europe. The Spanish newspaper El País counted at least 177 protests in 12 countries. Participants are demanding above all better education conditions, affordable housing and lower living costs.
Not one movement, but similar problems
The protests are not coordinated, even though they are happening at a similar time and concern related issues. Luka Lešić of the European Students' Union explained to El País that young people return to university in the autumn, and changes to fees, grants and study conditions become directly noticeable to them.
Countries and demands
In France, the demonstrations spread across the country. According to the French Interior Ministry, 550,000 people took part on 17 October. More than 2,000 people were detained during the unrest, and nearly a thousand police officers were injured.
In Belgium, students are protesting against fee rises and budget cuts. In Italy, people protested against rules limiting the number of foreign pupils to 30%, among other things. On the Iberian Peninsula, people took to the streets over the housing crisis.
In the Balkans, the background is different. In Albania, demonstrators are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and accuse his government of links to organised crime. In October the protests there turned into violent riots, during which public buildings were set on fire. In Serbia, the student movement began after the collapse of the railway station canopy in Novi Sad in 2024, in which 16 people died. Parliamentary elections are scheduled there for Sunday 25 October.
In Germany, the opposition concerns military service and social spending cuts.
How commentators explain it
The British newspaper The Guardian, quoted by tvn24.pl, argues that the common backdrop is the breakdown of the social contract: the younger generation has reason to expect to live worse than their parents.
What next
Further demonstrations and strikes have been announced for November in France, Spain, Germany, Italy and Portugal, among others.
What this means for you
The sources point to no direct effects for people living in the UK. However, anyone planning a trip to the affected countries, especially France, Spain, Italy or Portugal, should follow announcements from local authorities and carriers, as more strikes have been announced for November.
Sources
- 177 protestów w 12 krajach Europy. Młodzi domagają się poprawy warunków życia
- Drożyzna i kryzys mieszkaniowy wyprowadzają ludzi na ulice. Europa w ogniu protestów
- Młodzi ludzie protestują w całej Europie. Jest jedna przyczyna „wszystkich tych wydarzeń”
- Europe's youth take to the streets - they feel locked out of a promising future
This article was prepared automatically by AI from the listed sources and published without prior editorial review. Spotted a mistake? Use the “Report an error in this article” button.
Photos
- Cover: „environmental protection, show me, action, protests, demonstration”, author: LeoSch, licence Pixabay Content License; cropped or resized.
- Photo 1: „people, students, university, campus, classmates”, author: naassomz1, licence Pixabay Content License; cropped or resized.
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